Looking for saving money tips on utility? One way to save money on electricity is by installing your own home solar power. Find below another great saving money tips.
Home Solar Power: Save Money With Your Own Home Solar Power System
Author: WChurchill
Home solar power systems convert sunlight into electricity through the use of solar panels. For an average home about ten watts per square foot of electrical energy will be gathered per day. This will vary depending on a number of factors including panel size and type, amount of sunlight, and length of time direct sunlight is available.
A home solar power system will cost considerably more as an initial investment, but will be very cost effective in the long run. There are two main reasons for considering home solar power. First, of course, is the saving on your electric utility bill and secondly is the fact that solar power is renewable and environmentally friendly. There are NO polluting side effects.
There are 5 main components of a home solar power system that is connected to the electric grid. If you choose to be totally off-grid, it will also be necessary to have a storage battery to store excess energy your system generates.
• Solar panels
• Power converter
• An electric panel
• A utility meter
• The utility grid
• A storage battery unit (for off grid)
Solar panels are normally placed on the roof of your house, but may also be placed in any area that receives direct sunlight. Either installation must be placed to receive as much direct sunlight as possible. The solar panels convert sunlight into DC power.
The power converter is necessary to change the DC power into AC power which is what you receive from an electric utility. AC or alternating current is what household lights and appliances use.
The electric panel brings the power from the power converter to the breaker box. It is then distributed to the lights and outlets in the house.
In an on-grid system the electric utility meter handles excess power from your system, causing your electric meter to run backwards when your system is supplying power to the utility grid. If you use this you receive credit from the electric utility that is applied against what you need from them when your home solar power system does not cover your usage.
And the last component in an on-grid system, the utility grid, will supply you with electricity during the night, on cloudy days, and when you need more electricity than your home solar power system produces.
If you will not be connected to the grid system -- whether by choice or because the location is remote and not supplied with electricity, you will also need a storage battery unit to store the excess power from your home solar power system for use at night.
Is a home solar power system right for you? Maybe. Even though the initial costs are higher, the payback may well be worth considering. If you are building, remodeling, or even refinancing your home, the cost of home solar power can be included in the mortgage. Also, keep in mind that both state and federal governments offer attractive tax incentives when you install a home solar power system.
And best of all – wouldn't be GREAT to never pay another electric bill ?
Renewable energy - Free energy -Green energy
Why wouldn't you do it if you have the opportunity?
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_519793_27.html
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Home Solar Power: Save Money With Your Own Home Solar Power System (saving money tips)
10 Tips Saving Money on Electricity (saving money tips)
Saving Money Tips - 10 Tips Saving Money on Electricity
An electrical appliance that does not work at maximum capacity results in less than ideal performance and higher electricity bills. That is why it is best to save on electricity in order to save more money.
Here is how you can get everything saving up:
1. Keep your appliances clean and well maintained. Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps your appliances in top shape, hence, it will perform better and consumes lesser energy. Energy saved is money saved.
2. Have an annual checkup by a qualified service technician. This can reduce the appliance’s operating costs by as much as 20%, extend the life of the system, and improve its safety and air quality.
3. When using air conditioners, it is best to establish your comfort temperature, and then setting your thermostat at that level permanently. This will definitely save on electric bills because the air conditioning unit takes less energy to cool air four to five degrees than it does to cool air eight to ten degrees.
4. Replace any items that may have been 10 years or older already. Old appliances are most likely not at their optimum efficiency. By replacing them, your electric bills may be cut by half.
5. If you experience a power outage, make sure you turn off the switch on your appliances and allow time to pass before turning the appliances on again when the power returns.
6. In refrigerators, do not overstuff compartments with bottles and plastic containers. Cool air must circulate freely to avoid overworking the condenser.
Also, try not to leave the door of your refrigerator as open as possible or open longer than what is needed. This will have the tendency to allow the cool air to break out.
7. Always try to look for the “energy saving” logo or notes whenever you buy your new appliances. Buying an appliance with a logo that states it consumes lower energy, it will definitely let you save more money on your electricity.
8. Always use energy saving lights or light bulbs. These energy saving lights or light bulbs usually last up to 12 times longer. Plus, energy saving light bulbs consume less energy. Hence, you will be able to save more money just by saving on electricity.
9. Use energy-saving facilities at home like energy-saving windows or energy-saving appliances. This will lessen the consumption of energy and, thus, will let you save on money. For instance, use a “double-glazed” window instead of the ordinary window.
10. Use insulators at home. This will not let the warm or cool air out, and vice-versa.
Indeed, saving on electricity will definitely save more money.
Save Money & Energy at Home (saving money tips)
Saving Money Tips - Save Money & Energy at Home
Saving money is the game now if you really want to bank on a good future for you and your family. This is one definite way to ensure that you make yourself able and ready for whatever big plans you have ahead, be it getting a new house, buying a car, sending a kid to college or even a grand vacation.
There are many ways to save money. It can range from setting aside a portion of your monthly paycheck or avoiding the little temptations for you to spend. Make it your goal.
Start at Your Own Home
- Saving money should be part of your way of life to make it most effective. It is best that the effort to save be shared by everyone in the family.
Little Efforts
- Do not drive if you really don’t have to. If you can, just take a walk or take the bus. Riding the bike can also be very good for your body. Have a car pool with friends or neighbors. You can also suggest doing errands together like doing the grocery store.
- Avoid the little temptations that may come your way. It is naturally fine to reward yourself after a hard work every now and then, but do stay away from splurging. Cut back on your expenses.
Use Less and Save Energy
- Electricity - Turn off appliances that are not used. Turn the TV off if the show is not worth it. Close the refrigerator after getting what you need. Use lower wattage bulb for rooms that do not need much lighting. These will definitely add more data to your savings!
- Water - Check for any leaks in your pipes. Always make sure that the faucet is not dripping. Avoid long showers. Use a glass when brushing your teeth instead of leaving the faucet on.
- Phone – Choose a provider that has savings plans especially for long-distance calls.
- Gas - Have your car tuned up so you can save on gas. Get membership benefits also from stations. Fill up the tank when the prices go low. You can also do a research on gas saving cars if you have to purchase a new one. Turn off the air conditioning. If there is no need for that, simply keep the windows open. Enjoy the ride and the cool wind.
You may not realized this before, but your household’s basic utilities can actually be your key to saving more money. This has a two-way benefit. You get to save some dollars for your family. You also contribute in addressing the energy crisis.
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