Energy Conscious Consultant

Is Global Warming True?

Global warming is the hot topic of conversations. A scientist determined to deny or prove that scientists were wrong has had an enlightening moment. He looked at the earth surface temperatures and found that the temperature has increased since the 1950’s and even before then. Global warming is happening. What is it and how does it affect you?

Earth Day Facts

Earth Day was started back in 1970 as a means of drawing attention to our planet and protecting our environment.  This year we are celebrating Earth Day on Friday April 22, 2011. It was started by a Congressman from Wisconsin who realized how badly polluted our air and our rivers were. He succeeded in passing a resolution that started as a protest movement to “shake up the political establishment and force the issue onto the national agenda.” It has become “a focal point for the promotion of environmental awareness.” It started in the United States but has gone global to encounter international environmental issues. What will you be doing to promote Earth Day 2011?

Tips To Go Green With Home Improvements

Ways to go green can be found everywhere.  It is not only politically correct these days to go green, but it is also socially responsible. How are our children going to live on after us if there’s no earth for them to enjoy? The best place to get started living a green lifestyle is right at home.

Christmas Trees: Good For The Environment

Going green is great for the environment.  But what about going green for Christmas?  The Christmas tree is probably the biggest decoration a home can have.  That decoration involves lots of Christmas lights that would use up electricity.  But let’s look at the tree itself.  I read that 70% of Americans choose artificial trees over real ones.  There are pro and cons for a real tree and for a fake tree.

Oil Spill News Of BP

Oil spill news of the BP oil rig explosion has captured the headlines and will continue until this mess is cleaned up. It has affected all of us. We have used more than our share of oil. It's time to move on to other alternative resources. Don't you agree? You need to see this!

Living Green In Your Home

Are you in the market for a new home?  Are you ready to remodel your existing home?  The Environmental Protection Agency site gives information to homeowners who strive toward a green building environment.  They list everything from basic information to frequently asked questions.  All of these ideas will add value to your home and reduce energy usage.  By reducing your energy usage, you are fighting climate change.  By reducing energy usage, you reduce the chemicals in the air which will help improve your health.

Home Solar Powered Systems At The Solar Decathlon

Solar powered homes are being built now in our generation.  There is a group who builds a house every year for energy efficiency and lets everyone walk through it and ask any questions they want to the builders.  The solar decathlon is held annually during October in Washington, D.C.   It brings together 20 colleges and universities from around the world  to design and build the most energy efficient house.  It is put on by the US Department of Energy. The house of one team produced a surplus of energy during 3 days of rain.  Who says you can’t produce solar power during cloudy days?

Energy Efficient Solar Power

It’s a great time to install a solar powered system on your home.  The costs of solar are low right now and because of the economy being low.  Now is a good time to take advantage of what’s available in the solar powered market.  The prices of solar are not going to stay the same.  Once the economy builds up, it becomes a matter of supply and demand.  If the demand is high, the costs go up.  If the demand is down, they don’t supply as much and they don’t produce as much.  That drives the cost down.  If a manufacturer is not selling, they drop their cost and become cheaper to sell their product.  That’s why when the economy is low and the demand is low, that’s the best time to purchase a solar system.  When the economy picks up and everybody starts buying again, the solar prices are going to go up with other prices.

Alternative Energy Resources: What's Keeping You From Going Solar?

Solar energy is energy harvested from the sun.  Solar powered panels can be directed at the sun and be placed on your roof or on a pole to receive optimal sun exposure.  It is free energy.  But some people have limitations.  Here are the three most common reasons people tell me.  

Batteries For Storage From Solar Power

Batteries can be used for back up power or starting power.  When converting to solar power, you have the option of including battery back up power.  The batteries used for back up in solar are different from other batteries.  These batteries are used for storage like at night when there is no sun for efficient energy.  Solar back up batteries will store this electrical energy.  The National Renewable Energy Lab recommends deep cycle gel batteries.  They are sealed with no spills or fumes. Their life expectancy is longer than the AGM constructed batteries.