Solar-powered Security Light with Motion Detector

Posted by on May 24, 2012 Comments Off

Concept SL-100 32-LED Solar-Powered Security Light with Motion Detector

Ever considered a solar-powered security light with motion detector? Solar energy devices are the future! As you probably know, renewable energy is power created from easily-replenished sources like the sun, wind, water, natural and geothermal energy procedures.

Compared to energy sources and hot coals, these natural resources are usually referred to as clean forms of power. Why?  They do not generate harmful pollutants and damaging agents into the climate. Thus, they have very little ecological impact during the process of development. This is an excellent factor in the maintenance of our environment!

Just consider the problems brought about by the effects of global warming around the world. The benefits of using green energy sources are not limited to being replaceable. They also create new jobs. There are many different ways to put the power created by the sun to excellent use, which is one of the advantages of solar power.

Whenever you have opened up your window in order to let in the heated air on a spring morning, then passive solar energy is a form of power you’ve already taken advantage of without acknowledging it. Opening your drapes to let the sun heat the room is a simple, yet effective way to make excellent use of direct solar power.

Solar energy has many benefits! Solar energy costs nothing to produce. You only need one single, initial investment for the material which is necessary to capture this free energy. Solar power is a highly reliable and effective power resource, as the sun will be in existence as long as we are. Its power will be available for us on a regular basis nearly every day. Obviously this depends on where you live..!

Solar-powered devices devices are very easy to maintain and will last for many years. Once installed, there are no persistent expenditures. They operate quietly, have no moving parts, do not release unpleasant scents and do not require any petrol.

Concept SL-100 32-LED Solar-Powered Security Light with Motion Detector

Concept SL-100 32-LED Solar-Powered Security Light with Motion Detector

 

A Great Solar Device: Solar-powered Security Light with Motion Detector

A great way to utilize solar energy is to use the solar rays for a solar-powered security light with motion detector. I have selected a great working solar-powered security light with motion detector for outside. It enhances your security and comfort! If you want to create more security and warn off potential burglers, this solar-pwered security light might be something for you. The product has received many positive 5 star reviews already. AND it is reduced in price!

Click on the image below if you want to know all the details!

The Concept’s SL-100 solar 32-LED Solar-powered Security Light with motion detector is fully operated by the sun. Its eco-friendly lighting offers both energy-saving protection and a wire-free option. This works especially well in remote or difficult-to-access places. You can use it at home, outside garden sheds, or on separated car ports, barns, and other outbuildings. Basically everywhere where you need more protection by means of a light that switches on! The unit’s built-in motion detector turns the light on automatically upon detecting motion, and then turns it off after a user-defined timer setting. Solar power to make you feel safe!

Concept SL-100 32-LED Solar-Powered Security Light with Motion Detector

This solar-powered security light  is a very useful addition to any outdoor security system. Its solar-powered security light measures 9-3/4 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 14-3/4 inches high. Its solar panel measures 13-1/2 inches wide by 1/2-inch deep by 7-1/4 inches high.

This is the greatly reduced solar-powered security Light with Motion Detector!

Click on the image below if you need more details:

Decades of technological innovation expertise and experience have resulted in a complete line of solar lighting systems. They range from outside motion-sensing protection lighting and overflow lighting to attractive lamps and bollard lights-that bring warmth, ambience, and a sense of safety to rural, suburban, and urban homes.

Concept SL-100 32-LED Solar-Powered Security Light with Motion Detector

Simply try this low-maintenance solar-powered security light with motion sensor. I am sure you won’t regret it. The product received high customer ratings! Enjoy solar energy products for your home! The solar-powered security light is there for you to feel safe!


 

Best Solar Charger for iPhone? I found the best!

Posted by on May 11, 2012 Comments Off

Solar Charger for iPhone? Soladec is best!

Soladec Hybrid All-In-One Portable Solar Charger for iPhone

Soladec Hybrid All-In-One Portable Solar Charger for iPhone

 

Solar Charger for iPhone, my latest discovery! Everywhere around me people use an iPhone, in my opinion the best cell phone around. (Sorry, users of other cellphones..!) But, not surprisingly, everybody struggles with empty batteries. At the most inconvenient of times it is flat. Recognize this??

It is a mystery to me why I have seen nobody so far with a solar charger for iPhone. Is it fear of the unknown? I don’t think so. Without being conscious, perhaps, we have all been using solar energy for years.

Many of our calculators run on solar power. Why are so few people with an iPhone use a solar charger? Are they not available? I have several Solar Charger for iPhone!

Apple sells all sorts of accessories. From speakers, shields and screen protectors, to docks, cases and headsets. Where is the solar charger for the iPhone?? Amazingly, the iPhone5 which has now been released, has all sorts of nice new features, but no solar panal. A 4 inch screen, 9 pins dock connector, iOS 6 software, etc, but why not implement a solar charger? Read more on my Squidoo lens.

Yes, there it is, the best solar charger for iPhone that I have come across!

Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices

Let’s hope Apple is working on one at this very moment. But for the time being we have to help ourselves with what is available on the market. I have been looking for one ever since I bought my iPhone4. I have several now. I even ordered a few in China, just to check their quality!

I am very much enchanted by the idea that my iPhone could run on solar energy. After all, solar energy is entirely free and without any side effects and danger. And, very importantly, solar energy is totally environment-friendly. A Solar Charger for iPhone is the future..!

Soladec Solar Charger for iPhone

Soladec Solar Charger for iPhone

There are mostly advantages by using a solar charger for iPhone. There is only one disadvantage.  Now, the disadvantage of a solar charger for iPhone seems to be the fact that it takes a while for an iPhone to charge. Given the current state of solar technology, this rather long charging time is inevitable. It is possible to load fast, but then one would need a huge solar charger. Not terribly practical.. Or a LOT of sun!! 24 hours would be great..

Hope for people looking for the best Solar Charger for iPhone

There is quite a difference between one solar charger and the other. I am currenly using a hybrid portable solar charger. I found this one the best solar charger for iPhone, and I will write out its full name:

“Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices”.

I do not have an iPad, but according to the title it also works for an iPad and other devices. It works beautifully for an iPod as well!

Before I bought one, I obviously checked and read many reviews, amongst the ones blogs on forums, and the ones published on Amazon. Since they appeared to be predominantly positive, I bought one. On Amazon, for instance, the Soladec  Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger for iPhone has mostly 5-star reviews, which is the highest possible.

Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices

Random excerpts from five altogether different reviewers:

About the Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices

“The Soladec is by far the most functional solar powered charger that actually works, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone!”

Another reviewer:

“After a few months of rough trips through desert & mountains so glad to report that it still runs like it is fueld by plutonium and fairy dust..”

A third reviewer:

“Pros/// Dependable power when you need it most, quality construction for durability.

Cons// price is a little higher but it is well worth it, with quality and dependability and maybe your life at stake, when outdoors, in remote places..”

The fourth reviewer:

“This is my second solar charger after realizing the first charger couldn’t even charge my wife’s Droid Captivate, or my iPhone over 50%, which was a major disappointment. The Soladec is drastically difference and I couldn’t have been happier with my purchase of a solar charger that actually works!”

and the last one:

“The biggest problem I found with solar chargers is that they never get your phone past 50%. This is the only charger I found that will take it to 100% in the same amount of time as a wall charger.”

(For more, please look at the site.)

This guy made a video review of the device. He seems an enthusiast, and likes it when working (?) from a tent in the woods..! Take it for what it is worth..!

So, this Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices really seems the best option until heavy quality charger comes on the market which is still light-weight! I assume this cannot take long, considering the enormous competition on the market. I addition, many people are looking for the perfect charger for their iphone.

Some characteristics of the Soladec solar charger for iPhone

It is a versatile all-in-one hybrid solar powered charger that not only charges iPhones, but many other devices. It charges most USB-powered portable electronic devices, from a smartphone or MP3-player, to tablets, e-readers, GPS and cameras, including iPod an iPhone an iPad, Blackberry, GalaxyS, Kindle, Galaxy Tab and many more. The Soladec solar charger has a built-in high flux LED lamp with a power level indicator for use indoor or outdoors which could work as a S.O.S. lamp blinker of you chose the SOS function.

It has been designed to maximize functionality to meet the needs of all demanding tech-savvy outdoor enthusiasts. It is absolutely perfect for when you are camping, boating, fishing, hiking and –very importantly- in an emergency. Because it is lightweight it is easy to carry, and to use.

The smart charging system automatically closes down when a device is at full charge! This extends its battery life. When it is fully charging, the battery will provide most smartphones at least 2.5 complete charges – the actual performance will vary depending on the device you have.

At full charge, it will take no more than 2 hours and 40 minutes to charge a smartphone. Again, the actual charging time will vary depending on your device. The charge time to full capacity is circa 11 hours by solar rays, 7 hours by USB. As is widely known, the actual solar charge time may vary greatly depending on atmospheric conditions, and the amount of sunlight, etc.

Very practical: the Soladec solar charger for iPhone has a built-in easel for easy stand and easy lighting. Included with the Soladec solar charger are the Soladec Hybrid Solar Powered Charger, USB Charging Cable, Carrying Case, Wrist Lanyard and User’s Manual.

Some technical Specifications: Solar Modue-5V, 330mA (1.65W), Shatter- Resistant (!), Tempered Low-Iron Glass; LED Module-0.8W (High Flux LED), a Life Span of 50,000 hours; an Internal Battery-Li-polymer, 3.7V, 4000mA (14.8WH).

I can fully recommend the Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger and External Battery Pack with Integrated Ultra High-Flux LED Light for iPod, iPhone, iPad and Other USB Devices as the best solar charger for iPhone!




Wind Energy System for Consumers?

Posted by on April 9, 2012 No comments

Wind Energy System: Take Advantage of Wind

Small Wind Energy System

Small Wind Energy System

When viewing the North Sea from the sandy beaches of Holland, the sea looks deserted apart from the odd seaship. No Wind Energy system in sight.

As a matter of fact the North Sea is the busiest sea on earth. It is a busy industrial area: under the surface many pipes and cables dating back to the nineteenth century to the newest internet cables.

The sea is no more than 30 to 50 meters deep in most places, which is ideal for constructing platforms. In the ‘Doggersbank’ the depth is only 15 meters.

Above the surface, but luckily often out of sight, hundreds of oil and gas platforms have been built since the 1970s. The North Sea is ideal for building a wind energy system.

In the meantime ten wind turbine parks have been constructed that turn the fierce sea winds into energy. In total they are responsible for 1.941 Megawatt energy which is sufficient to supply 1,8 million households with energy. These turbines can be as tall as 20-story buildings and usually have three 200-foot-long (60-meters-long) blades. The wind spins the blades, and these blades turn a shaft that is connected to a generator producing electricity.

If all plans that have been scheduled for the next years will get carried out, the North Sea will deliver 40 times as much wind energy in ten years time. An area as large as 25.000 square kilometres will be occupied by wind turbines. But what about a wind energy system for us, consumers??!

Wind energy system for consumers?

Now, what can we as consumers do if we live in a windy area? Can we build a small wind energy system near our house, or even on top of our homes? What are our options to make use of wind? It seems such an easy option to producing energy and to saving energy.  Wind is a very clean source of green energy or renewable energy, producing no pollution of the air or water.

And since wind energy is entirely free, operational costs are almost nihil as soon as a wind energy system is erected. But, wind is unpredictable at the same time. If it’s not blowing, no electricity is generated.

Small wind energy systems are indeed one of the most cost-effective renewable energy systems, and non-polluting at the same time. A small wind energy system could lower your electricity bills with 50% to 90%. A great method of saving energy!

Secondly, it can also help avoiding the high costs of having utility power lines extended to a remote location. Once you have a small wind energy system, it can be utilized for other applications such as water pumping on a farm or ranch.

Wind energy system: stand-alone or connected?

A small wind energy system can be connected to another electric system, or can stand alone. If you are living in a remote location, a stand-alone wind energy system can be more cost-effective. The alternative is to extend a power line to another electricity grid. These costs could well range from $15,000 to $50,000 per mile! A small wind energy system erected in a backyard can produce enough electricity for a single home or small business.

A successful stand-alone green wind energy system generally takes advantage of a combination of technologies. Setting up a stand-alone wind energy system is not an easy business to do, but can be very rewarding if successful!  If you are not very technical yourself, you can always ask a local system supplier or installer, a local renewable energy organization to help you. Often there are specific requirements in your area. A very useful site for those of you who are American, is the website of the United States Department of Energy.

If you want to know more about a small Wind Energy System, and may want to look into constructing one yourself, just have a look at this Solar, Wind Energy DIY guide

Click here for more information on constructing a small wind energy system!

 





Climate Change & What We Can Do About It!

Posted by on April 7, 2012 No comments

Our impact on Climate Change

Daily we use energy, whether at home or when traveling. Most of the energy used in our households or when traveling comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas or oil. The burning of these fuels produces Co2, carbon dioxide, which is one of the most significant greenhouse gases causing climate change. Unfortunately, green energy is not yet used a lot. The sooner we all start using green energy, the better! By switching to green energy we can reduce our carbon footprint and stop Climate Change.
In the last forty years or so, the average temperature of the earth has significantly increased. By following global temperature records it is known that the earth has increased in warmth approximately 0.75°C in the last hundred years. This may not appear very dramatic at first sight, but if the temperature continues to rise this fast, it could be devastating on our environment!

As we know, one of the effects of climate change is that we get more and more frequent extreme weather. When rain comes down heavily, rivers will be bursting their banks more frequently.  Flash-floods will become more common as a consequence. Since we started to record rain facts back in 1766, rainfall in winter England and Wales has slightly increased.

When we look at the last 45 years, it is evident that we have had more extreme rainfall. In 2009, flooding in the United Kingdom was by far the worst when compared to 270 other years. Areas like Cumbria for instance, witnessed widespread flooding..

Climate change is getting worse

Whilst flooding is getting worse, the summers are getting hotter and also drier. In central England the temperatures have risen with approximately one degree Celsius since the 1970s. And the year 2006 was the warmest on record. A climate change could be clearly felt! It might well that we are facing the kind of heat that killed thousands of people in Europe in 2003. We are seeing widespread water shortages already, and drought may well be one of our biggest threats.

What is clear, is that the cost to the environment at large, our society, our economy and not to forget our health will far outweigh any perceived benefits of a warmer climate. Fortunately, we can do something about it by reducing our carbon footprint.

By burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal carbon dioxide is produced. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that cause our climate to change. By switching to green energy, we will be able to counter these bad effects.

If we use less energy, we can all help to fight climate change. In addition, and as a pleasant side effect, we can all save money by reducing our use of fossil energy. The Environmental Outlook for 2050 of the OESO is predicting a somber outlook on our environment. If we do not change our habits, it is predicted that we will be using 80% more energy in forty years time! This implies that our globe will be getting hotter, and the amounts of water in the earth will diminish. If we do not undertake any action, we will be living on a planet with concentrated Co2 emissions that will cause the average temperature to rise with 5 to 6 %. The ice caps on the North pole have now melted to a degree never seen before. It is reckoned that Northern America and Canada will get severe winters due to this melting down.

Let’s all take a step towards saving energy and reduce our carbon footprint now.

By becoming a free member of this site,

you will get the e-book with great energy saving tips for free.


Global Energy Assessment

These days the Global Energy Assesment will publish their lengthy report. For more information please go to my hubpage on Green Energy for All.

 

>> Reduce your Carbon Footprint now <<

Posted by on April 3, 2012 No comments

What is your Carbon Footprint actually?

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

The media nowadays are full of articles and programs on reducing our ‘carbon foot print’. They assume we all know what this is, but what actually is a carbon footprint? It seems quite difficult to reduce something of which we are unsure what it precisely means.  Let’s give a brief explanation here.

The way we affect our environment is manifold. We can impact the world in many different ways. By driving, or flying, heating our houses, and even the types of food we eat can make a difference. If you consider all these ways in which we can impact our environment, it is difficult to work out what it is on the whole.

Your own carbon footprint is a no more than a single figure giving you an idea of your impact on carbon change. It is not difficult to calculate carbon footprints. You can also compare and understand.

Global Energy Assessment

The Global Energy Assessment is due to appear soon. This 1900-page long manuscript will serve as the Energy Bible for future generations. During the last six years some 300 scientists along with 200 reviewers from 70 countries have worked together to make an assessment of our energy supplies. The main question was: do we have sufficient energy sources to supply all of us with energy, and what way this should be done. It appears to be possible, if and only if we undertake action as soon as possible to make the necessary changes in our system. The people who use energy nowadays need 2% extra energy yearly. If we are able to use green energy sources such as solar energy we can contribute ourselves. Governments and lareg companies can take care of large infrastructures in order to supply the 1.400.000.000 people with energy who still haven’t got any. If you want to read more, you can see the report via iiasa.ac.at, or read my blog on Hubpages.

Carbon footprint & carbon dioxide

When referring carbon emissions or carbon footprints, we speak about emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). As we know, carbon dioxide is released when carbon-based fuels are burnt. Almost all fossil fuels are carbon-based. To mention but a few: petrol and diesel used for cars, gas, oil and coal that we use in our houses and in power stations, and jet fuel used for aeroplanes. This carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, trapping the heat of the sun and keeping the earth warm. However, if we get too much CO2 in the air, this leads to climate change, otherwise known as ‘global warming’.

There are also other greenhouse gases. Methane, for instance, also contribute to climate change. For countries & organisations these count as part of their emissions of carbon. But for individuals like you and me, the most important carbon emission is CO2: carbon dioxide.

When we are talking about your carbon footprint, we mean the amount of carbon dioxide that is entering the atmosphere because of the fuel and the electricity you are using. This is measured in tonnes of CO2. Our carbon footprint usually is depending on:

  • how often you fly
  • the appliances and electronics that you use
  • what sorts of transport you use on a daily
  • how much energy you are using to keep your house warm

Once we know our carbon footprint, it surely helps us to understand our impact on the environment. And – more importantly- find ways to reduce this impact.

Let me give you an example: in 2009 the United Kingdom produced 564 million tonnes of CO2.  Around 30% of the 564 million tonnes comes from household energy use! The majority is emitted, as we can understand, by companies and industry. The use of energy in our houses accounts for around 5 tonnes per household, which is exclusive of emissions from transport! If we make our households more energy-efficient, and reduce the energy consumption by transport, we really could make important reductions in our national CO2 emissions! We should not only start saving energy, better is to switch to green energy, such as solar energy.

Want to reduce your carbon footprint?

For people who want to reduce their carbon footprint, there are many ways you could consider. Perhaps you want to consider to insulate your home, to buy more energy-efficient appliances, to switch off electronics at the wall, to walk, cycle or use public transport, and start choosing a holiday closer to home! There are so many possibilities available! Just start. It is not too late yet! Do start using green energy, which does not impact our environment whatsoever. Solar energy is a very good choice. Why not start using solar chargers?

Juice Bar Charger. As Seen On TV 2012 Your Cell Phone Solar Charger Perhaps?

This JuiceBar Pocket Solar Charger immediately generates free and clean energy and contains a powerful, high capacity 2000 mAh battery. This  can be charged with USB or by exposing the solar cell to light. The new design has a 33% stronger battery, a two-sided stainless steel case, status indicator light (VERY handy!) and LED flashlight. It is low priced! Juicebar’s built-in USB port allows the use of the cable of your own device (so NO FUSS!). Cutting-edge engineering supports all popular phones as well as handheld games such as Nintendo 3DS and Sony PSP, Tom Toms, MP3 players and much more. JuiceBar is incredibly small and light measuring just 4″ x 2.5″x .5″ and weighing only 4 oz!

Juice Bar Solar Charger

A trend is sweeping swiftly across the country. No, we are not talking about some fruit loaded with vitamin C..!  Instead, this Juice Bar is a perfect tool if you want to reduce your carbon footprint!

This sleek re-chargeable solar battery stores enough power to charge most handheld electronics and can charge a typical cell phone several times. The JuiceBar’s internal Li-ion battery can be re-charged via USB connection or via the built-in solar panel. This arrangement gives you maximum flexibility on your travels!

The Juice Bar comes with 4 common connectors for popular mobile phones and portable electronics. If none of the included connectors works with your own device, the Juice Bar’s USB port is ready to accept one of your own existing USB-cables. It also has one very handy device: a LED indicator shows you when it is charging its internal battery and indicates the current power. There is even a built-in flashlight! Click on the image below. Recommended if you want to reduce your carbon footprint!


Selected: Top Portable Solar Devices!

Posted by on March 28, 2012 No comments

New: Solar Devices selected For you!

There is a growing interest in the use of all types of green energy, now that fossil energy prices are roaring. In addition, the awareness of people is growing that we cannot go on polluting the earth like we do now. The heightened interest is especially noticeable in the area of solar energy, and solar devices. As an individual who is interested (to say the least..!) in green energy and solar devices, I must say that the number of products offered on the internet is so huge, that I barely know where to start. What products are good? Which ones are bad?
I have selected two great solar devices for you, based on my personal experience in the area of renewable energy. I am only giving you two examples of good solar devices rather than providing you with many different options in each category.

Great Solar Devices 1) High-quality Solar Backpack

Do you know anything more maddening than traveling and being unable to phone because the batteries in your mobile phone have died..! Of course, you can get solar devices such as a charger for your cellphone. An even better option is to buy a cool-looking backpack that simply charges when you travel! It charges when walking, running trying to catch the train, or sitting on a bench outside with your sandwich! I have found one that is not heavy and that can charge different cellphone devices and Ipods, etc. I can really recommend this to you as one of the best solar devices on the market!

Blue Solar Backpack and Cell Phone Charger. 3 watt Solar Power, 3, 000mAh Rechargable Battery.

The Blue Solar backpack & cellphone charger, is fortunately not heavy. It is made by Solar Everything and also has very good reviews. Recommended!

Our Choice: Blue Solar Backpack & Cell Phone Charger.
Looks great & works well!

Great Solar Devices 2) High-quality Solar Charger

As you may have noticed, among the solar devices there are many different solar chargers available. Some huge and impractical, others light-weight and handy. I have seen many, and I have tried many. The Joos Orange Portable Charger is simply a good product that has my preference within this range of backpack products. It is certainly not the most expensive around! It is good value for money.

JOOS Orange will give you power anywhere, and it is a tough, durable & waterproof. It simply delivers power where and when you need it. The best thing is: The JOOS Orange works in real-world light conditions such as low light, in the shade and even in light rain (!!). It also works fast, charging 3.5 times faster than any other portable solar charger in this same price bracket. JOOS Orange seems among the best-performing solar charger under the sun..!


JOOS Orange Portable Solar Charger – $144.00
Retail Price: $154.00
You Save: $10.00

 

Some more specifications of the Joos Orange portable solar devices:

The Joos portable charger captures up to 20 times more energy than other solar devices. With one hour in the direct sun, it equals 2 hours 3G talking-time! The large 5,400mAh replaceable battery holds sufficient energy to charge a phone several times, and can charge an iPhone about 2 1/2 times.

On top, it is designed to charge all personal electronic devices such as cell-phones, smartphones, MP3-players, GPS devices, portable game devices. Its thin rectangular shape makes the JOOS Orange very easy to carry and store. Adjustable legs make pointing it towards the sun real easy! And perhaps most importantly, the JOOS Orange is rock-solid. The internal battery pack will keep its charge for years. And the JOOS Orange even keeps charging when submerged in water! Among the many solar devices I have seen this is a champion!


 


* Why Not Build Your Own Electric Car?! *

Posted by on March 10, 2012 No comments

Time to build your own electric car?

Consumers unfortunately still barely buy electric cars, despite great interest in saving energy, and in green energy. If we take a country such as The Netherlands as our example: in the years 2010 and 2011 Dutch individuals – so companies excluded- have bought no more than 58 electric cars! This is only 5 percent of the total number of electric vehicles sold in these two years, which mounts to 1135. The total market share of electric cars is a mere 0.3% of the entire car market in The Netherlands. The price is still far to high. It seems time to build your own electric car!

The electric car is very much the focus of the attention of consumers who are interested in renewable energy technologies, green energy and saving energy. In all likelihood it is the still relatively high price of the electric car that scares them off. Also, the number of plug-in stations is still very limited. Who wants to be on the side of the road with an empty battery, with no plug-in station nearby..? Some electric car manufacturers guarantee a pick-up in the first year of use when the batteries are empty..! The number of plug-ins stations will increase drastically in the next five years or so. It seems many companies are investing in placing plug-in stations in countries where the electrical cars are being used more frequently. It indeed is a sine qua non for the use of electric cars..!

Also, and that still is a great hurdle for people, the range of electric cars is still limited. Every 150 kilometers one has to recharge. Last but not least, once you have driven some 150.000 kilometers in total, you would have to renew all battreries of the car. We still have to wait for the second or even the third generation ef electric cars! Why wait for all this, and take life in your own hands. It is time to build your own electric car!

Where is the electric vehicle charging station??

Where is the electric vehicle charging station??

When a driver has found a plug-in station, it all depends on whether there is a fast-loader or a regular one. If you plug a car with empty batteries in a fast-loader it still takes 20 minutes for it to be loaded 80%. Of course, the charging can be done at home with regular 220 Volt, but that takes 12 hours for the batteries to be completely charged from 0% to 100%.

Fortunately, a lot of research is being done to make the batteries in the car smaller. Further research needs to be done to make batteries more efficient. The American Company Now Envia Systems has managed to produce a battery that allows an electrical car to drive for 480 kilometers. The company has developed a prototype of car that should cost around 19.000 euros. This is a very competitive price for an electric vehicle.

I very much look forward to more research on batteries & fast-loading devices, so that electric cars will be more popular among customers.  In this time and age when the interest in green energy and renewable energy is growing among people this is crucial. They need to be more affordable. We will get there (preferably) sooner or later! In the meantime there is only one solution: Build your own electric car!!

Can you build your own electric car?

You can rebuild a car into an electric car.  Many people have already made their own converted electric cars. One of them is Tom Hanks.

Did you know that the famous actor Tom Hanks has been driving CONVERTED electric car for years now?

Check out this video from YouTube!!

 

If you think electric cars are still too expensive to buy, you could consider to build your own electric car! I found an inexpensive & easy -to-follow guide.

Do check if you want to start saving money right now, and BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTRIC CAR!! Click Here!

 





New Discovery for Solar Panels!

Posted by on March 9, 2012 No comments

Solar panels with new anti-reflective layer discovered!

House with old style solar panels

House with old style solar panels

If we think of solar panels we tend to think of shining bright reflective rectangles on top of roofs: ugly and distracting. For me personally this is so off-putting that I have not placed them on my roof. I live in a neighbourhood built in the 1920s where this would be too distractive, and perhaps even prohibited. The good news is that these shiny blue panels can be covered with a thin anti-reflective layer which turns them into black surfaces! This ultra-thin layer makes sure that the photovoltaic cells in the panels let through hardly any light so that they can generate more energy. All of it, of course, green energy, straight from the sun. Solar panels from now on will be less ugly and more energy efficient!

These type of discoveries make solar panels increasingly efficient. Not only is the market growing for renewable energy, the market for solar panels in growing explosively. But the competition is killing. Especially the Chinese are very much getting into solar energy and solar panels which is why a lot of companies who are making and distributing solar panels have gone into bankruptcy. Prices of solar panels have dropped 80% in the last years!

Solar panels have dropped in price considerably!

To us as a consumer this is really good news because competition implies lower prices. Solar panels last for some thirty years and can be earned back within fifteen to twenty years. Discoveries such as the anti-reflective layer can even shorten this period of earning back. The layer now increases the efficiency of a solar panel with no less than 1 %. This does not seem to be a big increase, but it is. Developments go step by step, and add to the efficiency, which is now 15-20 %.

The discovery was made by Albert Polman, director of the research institute AMOLF in Amsterdam. He published his findings in Nature Communications.

The next challenge is making the sun cells slimmer while maintaining the current levels of solar energy.

The International Energy Agency forecasts that half of all electricity will be generated by solar energy in fifty years time. Solar panels for consumers is to be the big thing! Differences between neighbouring countries can be rather large depending on governmental policies. For instance, in The Netherlands this is still 0,1 %, whereas in Germany this is already 4%. There is still a lot to be won in the world of renewable energy and solar panels in particular!


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Green Cleaning Products? Good for the environment!

Posted by on March 5, 2012 No comments

Green Cleaning – no impact on environment

For a Clean Environment!

For a Clean Environment!

Although cleaning with green alternatives does not fit exactly within the scope of a website on green energy, I am taking the liberty of making a short excursion into this topic. The reason being that I believe that people who are into green energy are also inclined to use green cleaning alternatives because of the fact that it has no negative impact on our environment.

Especially in Spring time people start cleaning their house. I have never been able to understand why this should be Spring, but anyhow.. Perhaps it is the sun, the promise of new life that gives people renewed energy to clean up their house?

Make sure you do it green this year..! Good for the environment! Fortunately, there are many ways to clean the house in a natural, cost-effective and healthy way without using unnecessary amounts of chemicals that have a negative impact on our environment!

Green Cleaning for the sake of our Environment!

Tip 1) Green alternatives
Increasingly more supermarkets sell ecological cleaning products that form a perfect alternative to agressive chemical cleaning products. You can recognize them on the basis of their eco-label which can differ per country. This label guarantees that the liquid in question is ecologically-friendly.

Tip 2) Use microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth has a specific structure which makes sure it – when made wet-can absorb dirt better than any other cloth with a cleaning product. Thus no chemicals end up in the sink.

Tip 3) Precise dosage
A German study has shown that we use far too much liquid when simply using a ‘dash’ of it in a bucket. It is an estimated 40% that we use too much in this way. It is best to measure it precisely. It only takes a few seconds!

Tip 4) Natural odour
Replace your odorizer by a bunch of flowers. Yes, fresh flowers! As simple as that! Odorizers often contain chemicals and irritating odours. By opting for a bunch of fresh flowers you get some ‘nature’ in your house. It not only provides oxygen but also spreads a nice odour.

Tip 5) Soda & cleaning vinegar
These two liquids, soda and cleaning vinegar, are vital in each household. They are very versatile and multifunctional. They contain natural acids and can absorb soap-rests and lime residues without doing damage to the environment!

Well, I hope you will also start using these tips when you get the urge to clean your house..! I hope you agree that this subject is also of interest to people who are into green energy. The globe will be grateful to you! Thus we will all save our environment!





Biofuels: Pros and Cons

Posted by on March 4, 2012 No comments

Biofuels: a good alternative?

Chose second generation biofuel!

Chose second generation biofuel!

There has been much discussion about the pros and cons of biofuels as an alternative for fossil energy. I am very much in favour of developing the so-called second generation of biofuels which are produced from plant rests and branches. The current biofuels are made from the edible parts of plants such as the current biofuels. In my opinion this is indeed a form of green energy, but not the right kind.

Why should we use biofuels in the first place? This seems pretty obvious. The amounts of oil and gas that are present in the earth have been formed during four-hundred million years. These resorts of oil and gas are made from tiny plant and animals rests. Human kind is now in the act of completely emptying this resort of oil and gas. It takes us no more than four hundred years to do so… Basically, and this is astonishing, we are using daily (!) what has been formed in the soil during two thousand years. The demand for oil and gas is now huge, and will only increase. Countries such as India, and China are demanding more and more fuels. In a time span of one or two centuries, our descendants will look back on our time as the couple of hundred years that we managed to empty the entire amount of fuels present in the earth! This being said, we urgently need to look for alternative, green energy.

Biofuels seemed the logic answer!

Biofuels seemed the perfect answer because they were made of rape-seed a.o. that could be planted over and over again. In addition, the carbon dioxide produced by cars would be transformed by the growing rapeseed. This seemed a perfect solution to our increasing demand for energy..

What do we expect from these types of green energy? They need to be ecologically-friendly, i.e. they should not cause a carbon dioxide footprint and can be produced endlessly. In addition, there should not be any negative side effects.

There are some arguments strongly against these biofuels produced from for instance rapeseed. First, the amount of agricultural land needed to produce the necessary rapeseed is impossibly large. A car in motion uses as many calories per hour as five hundred people. In order to produce a mere 5% of gasoline and diesel, we would need to evacuate an area as large as the entire part of The Netherlands north of Amsterdam and sow rapeseed. For human kind this is no less than a disaster. It increases the price of food for poor people. What is even worse, the production of biofuels do not even reduce the carbon-dioxide footprint. Its production costs a lot of Co2, even more than is now caused by using gasoline.
Last but not least, its production costs a lot of water which to a large extent comes from underground stocks of water that are not endless.

According to the European Union we need to add biofuel to gasoline and diesel. By the year 2020 this should be 10% of what we are putting in our engines. This measure should reduce the output of greenhouse gases. This seems a wrong measure, unless we will be able to produce a second generation of green energy such as biofuels made from non-edible plant rests and branches.

I suppose we all want to reduce our carbon footprint and are in favour of second generation biofuels. Why? Because this is good for the environment. There are many people out there who would want to take a first step in order to make this world a better place. Why not consider taking a tiny step and get yourself a solar charger? I will let you know when we can start using good biofuels in due course!