We are all aware of global warming caused by our over dependence on fossil fuels and the need to find some alternative energy sources but can one individual make a contribution or do we need to act collectively?
It is possible for you to install sources of alternative energy in your home and make a difference to the environment but if you are serious about this the first step must be to make your home more energy efficient. Each house is different but some common themes occur including good insulation and the use of energy efficient machines
Make sure your home is properly insulated and if possible install cavity wall insulation. Your loft should be properly insulated in it's entirety to a thickness of at least 270 mm. This will make a big difference and is a requirement if you are thinking of applying for some grants.
Go to the trouble of plugging gaps in the skirting boards to reduce drafts and if possible fit a heavy duty underlay in all downstairs rooms. This will also make a big difference and will be worth the investment. If necessary look on eBay to see if you can get a good price.
Double glazed windows are the easiest way of reducing energy costs and UPVC windows are the cheapest and easiest option. Some people are reluctant for aesthetic reasons despite the improved insulation they provide. One possible alternative is to attach made to measure safety glass around the window with a plastic strip around the edge. The glass sections are screwed in around the frames costing approximately 350 pounds to effectively double glaze the whole house. In the summer, some or all of the glass sections can be taken down and stored behind wardrobes or sofas if necessary. Either way the double glazing will make a massive difference to heat retention in your home.
All external doors should have draft excluders fitted and it is easy to manufacture a homemade draft excluder for the letterbox.
As far as possible, ensure that all your domestic appliances are A rated. If you are looking to buy anything new e.g. a freezer to store vegetables grown in your garden consider the KWh per year instead of just the energy rating. There are companies which sell only AA rated machines and they are well worth supporting.
You can purchase energy saving plugs which can be connected to fridges and freezers and they save electricity by regulating the power to the machine. Unfortunately some appliances are incompatible so a little internet research will enable you to find out more information.
Convert your whole house to use low energy light bulbs by taking advantage of the many offers made by electricity suppliers and DIY stores. Four for 4 pound is not uncommon
Consider installing a gas combi-boiler which will provide instant hot water for showers, baths and heating and is much more efficient. A wood burner is another possibility which can be used for room heating in the winter and boiling water
Place reflective sheets behind each radiator to reflect heat back into the room which cost about 20 pound for a whole house.
Keep the thermostat turned down. Twenty degrees (or less) should be more than sufficient which doesn't seem bad once you get used to it especially if you wear an extra layer.
Global Warming - No Way!
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Williams
Friday, 8 April 2011
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Selling Renewable Energy Credits
Selling renewable energy credits is a new and interesting market. Here is some information about selling renewable energy credits and a basic understanding of the market.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are frequently referred to as Green Tags, Renewable Energy Credits, and/or Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs). RECs represent the environmental and economic value of electricity produced from clean, renewable, emission-free energy resources that will never be depleted and are safe for our environment. A REC is not actual energy, just the right to say that you have offset the production of dirty power with clean power.
Producers of green power should consider selling renewable energy credits as well as the power itself, which will increase their profits. Other parties can buy RECs if they need to satisfy regulatory requirements or improve their corporate appearance. When RECs are sold, the organization buying the RECs obtains the right to claim environmental advantage.
Selling renewable energy credits allows energy users across the country to support alternative energy generation. RECs contribute to the growth of the renewable power sector, and with buyer support will continue to help make alternative power even more cost competitive.
In areas which have a REC program, an alternative energy provider (such as a wind farm) is credited with one REC for every 1,000 kWh or one MWh of electricity it creates. The average residential customer uses about 800 kWh per month. A certifying organization gives each REC an exclusive identification number to make sure it isn't sold twice. The green energy is then fed into the electrical grid (by law), and the complementary REC can then be sold on the open market.
Several certification and accounting associations attempt to ensure that RECs are legally sold and correctly tracked. The Climate Neutral Network, Green-e, and the Environmental Resources Trust's EcoPower Program certify RECs. If you are interested in selling renewable energy credits, start with your local electric company or one of these organizations.
There are two main markets for selling renewable energy credits in the United States - compliance markets and voluntary markets. A policy called the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is responsible for creating the compliance markets. Renewable Portfolio Standard requires electric companies to supply a predetermined percent of their electricity from renewable sources by a specific year.
For example, California electric companies must provide 20% energy from renewable sources by 2010. Electric utilities in these areas with RPSs must demonstrate compliance with their requirements by buying RECs. In the California sample, the electric companies would need to hold RECs equivalent to 20% of their sales.
Want to help companies and property owners go green? Sell your RECs on the voluntary market. Voluntary markets allow customers to purchase renewable power, generally out of a desire to go green. Most commercial and domestic purchases of RECs are voluntary. Alternative power providers can sell their RECs to voluntary buyers, usually at a lower price than compliance market RECs.
Detractors indicate a flaw with this system. It is argued that it does not necessarily replace dirty energy. Since some alternate energy resources, most notably wind resources, are irregular and unpredictable, their production does not replace an equivalent amount of other sources, per kW of capacity. However, they do replace on a per kWh basis, electricity from combustion sources, thus reducing greenhouse gases and undesirable byproducts.
Jeff Fisher is a renewable energy enthusiast. You'll finds tons of helpful green energy information at http://renewableenergysimplified.com/.
Do-It-Yourselfers can Take Action Today! With my FREE e-Course you can cut electricity bills by 70%.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Fisher
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2496415
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are frequently referred to as Green Tags, Renewable Energy Credits, and/or Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs). RECs represent the environmental and economic value of electricity produced from clean, renewable, emission-free energy resources that will never be depleted and are safe for our environment. A REC is not actual energy, just the right to say that you have offset the production of dirty power with clean power.
Producers of green power should consider selling renewable energy credits as well as the power itself, which will increase their profits. Other parties can buy RECs if they need to satisfy regulatory requirements or improve their corporate appearance. When RECs are sold, the organization buying the RECs obtains the right to claim environmental advantage.
Selling renewable energy credits allows energy users across the country to support alternative energy generation. RECs contribute to the growth of the renewable power sector, and with buyer support will continue to help make alternative power even more cost competitive.
In areas which have a REC program, an alternative energy provider (such as a wind farm) is credited with one REC for every 1,000 kWh or one MWh of electricity it creates. The average residential customer uses about 800 kWh per month. A certifying organization gives each REC an exclusive identification number to make sure it isn't sold twice. The green energy is then fed into the electrical grid (by law), and the complementary REC can then be sold on the open market.
Several certification and accounting associations attempt to ensure that RECs are legally sold and correctly tracked. The Climate Neutral Network, Green-e, and the Environmental Resources Trust's EcoPower Program certify RECs. If you are interested in selling renewable energy credits, start with your local electric company or one of these organizations.
There are two main markets for selling renewable energy credits in the United States - compliance markets and voluntary markets. A policy called the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is responsible for creating the compliance markets. Renewable Portfolio Standard requires electric companies to supply a predetermined percent of their electricity from renewable sources by a specific year.
For example, California electric companies must provide 20% energy from renewable sources by 2010. Electric utilities in these areas with RPSs must demonstrate compliance with their requirements by buying RECs. In the California sample, the electric companies would need to hold RECs equivalent to 20% of their sales.
Want to help companies and property owners go green? Sell your RECs on the voluntary market. Voluntary markets allow customers to purchase renewable power, generally out of a desire to go green. Most commercial and domestic purchases of RECs are voluntary. Alternative power providers can sell their RECs to voluntary buyers, usually at a lower price than compliance market RECs.
Detractors indicate a flaw with this system. It is argued that it does not necessarily replace dirty energy. Since some alternate energy resources, most notably wind resources, are irregular and unpredictable, their production does not replace an equivalent amount of other sources, per kW of capacity. However, they do replace on a per kWh basis, electricity from combustion sources, thus reducing greenhouse gases and undesirable byproducts.
Jeff Fisher is a renewable energy enthusiast. You'll finds tons of helpful green energy information at http://renewableenergysimplified.com/.
Do-It-Yourselfers can Take Action Today! With my FREE e-Course you can cut electricity bills by 70%.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Fisher
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2496415
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Multiple Personality Disorder - A Rugby League Player's Story
A friend of mine, who suffered from depression recently, related his story to me. Being a former National Rugby League Player, he started getting depressed whilst playing Rugby League. He could not identify the reasons and kept sinking into greater depths of depression.
As a result his friends started avoiding him. A common sight was his friends gathering together behind his back and talking and laughing about him. He was treated as though he was some kind of a Looney.
He eventually decided to quit Rugby and went to a Psychologist for treatment. He soon realised that a Psychologist alone will not help and went to a General Practitioner for medication.
After several months, he came out of depression. This gave him the freedom to seek other work. He soon found work as a Fireman. He worked in this role for 10 years. During the first 6 to 7 years of his life, he was fit. However, he went into depression again and left work. His wife left him and it took him several years to get out of depression. He now talks widely on the subject from a practical perspective.
This case highlights several things. It states for example that public perception of mental illness is:
• That it is a stigma
• That people fear those with mental illness and avoid those who suffer from mental illness
• That people talk behind the backs of those people who suffer from mental illness.
The case raises a few questions for me. It highlights the need for public education. It demonstrates that a Psychologist is not the best person to always see when a person suffers from Mood Disorder of any kind.
Some people suffering from anxiety disorder or depression get out of it and than relapse. Others continue to suffer for the rest of their lives.
My friend played Rugby League when he initially suffered from Mood Disorder.
There are several other cases I am aware of where famous football players have suffered from Mood Disorder but have effectively hidden their suffering from everyone. Another famous Rugby League player for example recently admitted to suffering from multiple personality disorder after retirement. He played the game so well and was regarded as one of the best players of all times. No one ever therefore realised what he was suffering from when he was a player. His friend close to him said that he was the closest friend to this famous player but never realised that he suffered from such a condition.
This case highlights the need to share your condition with your close friends. The first step is to see a GP. Following tests, a GP can recommend the best option.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
As a result his friends started avoiding him. A common sight was his friends gathering together behind his back and talking and laughing about him. He was treated as though he was some kind of a Looney.
He eventually decided to quit Rugby and went to a Psychologist for treatment. He soon realised that a Psychologist alone will not help and went to a General Practitioner for medication.
After several months, he came out of depression. This gave him the freedom to seek other work. He soon found work as a Fireman. He worked in this role for 10 years. During the first 6 to 7 years of his life, he was fit. However, he went into depression again and left work. His wife left him and it took him several years to get out of depression. He now talks widely on the subject from a practical perspective.
This case highlights several things. It states for example that public perception of mental illness is:
• That it is a stigma
• That people fear those with mental illness and avoid those who suffer from mental illness
• That people talk behind the backs of those people who suffer from mental illness.
The case raises a few questions for me. It highlights the need for public education. It demonstrates that a Psychologist is not the best person to always see when a person suffers from Mood Disorder of any kind.
Some people suffering from anxiety disorder or depression get out of it and than relapse. Others continue to suffer for the rest of their lives.
My friend played Rugby League when he initially suffered from Mood Disorder.
There are several other cases I am aware of where famous football players have suffered from Mood Disorder but have effectively hidden their suffering from everyone. Another famous Rugby League player for example recently admitted to suffering from multiple personality disorder after retirement. He played the game so well and was regarded as one of the best players of all times. No one ever therefore realised what he was suffering from when he was a player. His friend close to him said that he was the closest friend to this famous player but never realised that he suffered from such a condition.
This case highlights the need to share your condition with your close friends. The first step is to see a GP. Following tests, a GP can recommend the best option.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
Kris Varma is an expert on the subject of Mood Disorder. Having written several articles, and material on the subject, Kris is a widely sought after speaker on the subject. To consult Kris, visit his website http://www.solvedgroup.com/ or write to kris@solvedgroup.com to share your views on this article or any others he has written. Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kris_Varma |
Saturday, 4 December 2010
The Advantages of Installing a Solar Energy System to Generate Electricity
Alternative energy technology such as solar power, wind power or a biomass heaters offer an alternative to fossil fuels and will help you reduce the carbon dioxide you emit from your home.
Most people don't realise that investing in alternative energy can produce financial benefits too. In effect, you can purchase energy at today's prices and use it in the future when prices will be much greater.
Before you start tough, it is important that you minimise energy you require by ensuring that your home is fully insulated and by using energy efficient lighting and electrical appliances throughout.
Once the decision is made, installing alternative technology is really no more complicated than any other home improvement but make sure you do your research thoroughly.
Things to consider include:
- What sort of technology is best suited for your individual circumstances?
- Are you interested in generating electricity or providing heating?
- What size system will suit your needs?
- Which installer will you use and how will you pay for it?
- Investigate possible sources of funding because grants are available
- Will you need planning permission?
Make sure that the installer you choose is certified either with the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (in the UK) or the Solar Keymark (throughout Europe)
Let us assume that you have made your decision and after some thorough research have decided to install a solar system to generate electricity.
Solar electricity systems capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The cells convert sunlight into electricity which can then be used to run household appliances. PV cells don't need direct sunlight to work and can still generate electricity on a cloudy day. They are usually panels that can be attached to your roof or walls. Each cell is made from a semi-conducting material, usually silicon and when light shines on the cell electricity is produced. PV cells come in a variety of shapes and colours, from grey tiles that look like normal roof tiles to panels and transparent cells that can bed used on conservatories. The strength of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts (KW) and the figure quoted is the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight.
Solar electricity is green, renewable energy and it doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide (or any other pollutant) into the atmosphere. A typical home PV system could save around one tonne of carbon dioxide per year and it should last for about twenty five years.
Sunshine is free, so once you've paid the initial installation costs your electricity costs should be greatly reduced. A typical home PV system can produce around 40% of the electricity a household uses in a year. If your system is producing more electricity than you need you could make some money by selling your energy to the national grid.
A south facing roof or wall will be needed that isn't overshadowed by large trees or large buildings. Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight. In the UK, you won't need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems, as long as they are less than a certain size. Please check with your local planning officer to make sure.
The cost of installing a solar electricity system can vary. An average system rated at 2.2 KW costs around £12,000. Solar electricity systems generally cost in the range of £5000 to £8,000 per KW although this should decrease as system size increases. Remember, the more electricity your system can generate, the more it will cost but the more it could save. Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels and panels built into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top.
Savings can be considerable. A 2.2 KW system can generate around 40% of a household's yearly electricity needs. If the system is eligible to receive the Feed In Tariffs (FITs) it could generate savings and income of around £900 per year. Don't forget the 1 tonne of carbon dioxide emissions saved per year.
Maintenance is generally small. You will need to keep the panels clean and make sure trees don't begin to overshadow them.
Some companies are now offering free solar PV to customers in return for the income generated through FITs.
Most people don't realise that investing in alternative energy can produce financial benefits too. In effect, you can purchase energy at today's prices and use it in the future when prices will be much greater.
Before you start tough, it is important that you minimise energy you require by ensuring that your home is fully insulated and by using energy efficient lighting and electrical appliances throughout.
Once the decision is made, installing alternative technology is really no more complicated than any other home improvement but make sure you do your research thoroughly.
Things to consider include:
- What sort of technology is best suited for your individual circumstances?
- Are you interested in generating electricity or providing heating?
- What size system will suit your needs?
- Which installer will you use and how will you pay for it?
- Investigate possible sources of funding because grants are available
- Will you need planning permission?
Make sure that the installer you choose is certified either with the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (in the UK) or the Solar Keymark (throughout Europe)
Let us assume that you have made your decision and after some thorough research have decided to install a solar system to generate electricity.
Solar electricity systems capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The cells convert sunlight into electricity which can then be used to run household appliances. PV cells don't need direct sunlight to work and can still generate electricity on a cloudy day. They are usually panels that can be attached to your roof or walls. Each cell is made from a semi-conducting material, usually silicon and when light shines on the cell electricity is produced. PV cells come in a variety of shapes and colours, from grey tiles that look like normal roof tiles to panels and transparent cells that can bed used on conservatories. The strength of a PV cell is measured in kilowatts (KW) and the figure quoted is the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight.
Solar electricity is green, renewable energy and it doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide (or any other pollutant) into the atmosphere. A typical home PV system could save around one tonne of carbon dioxide per year and it should last for about twenty five years.
Sunshine is free, so once you've paid the initial installation costs your electricity costs should be greatly reduced. A typical home PV system can produce around 40% of the electricity a household uses in a year. If your system is producing more electricity than you need you could make some money by selling your energy to the national grid.
A south facing roof or wall will be needed that isn't overshadowed by large trees or large buildings. Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight. In the UK, you won't need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems, as long as they are less than a certain size. Please check with your local planning officer to make sure.
The cost of installing a solar electricity system can vary. An average system rated at 2.2 KW costs around £12,000. Solar electricity systems generally cost in the range of £5000 to £8,000 per KW although this should decrease as system size increases. Remember, the more electricity your system can generate, the more it will cost but the more it could save. Solar tiles cost more than conventional panels and panels built into a roof are more expensive than those that sit on top.
Savings can be considerable. A 2.2 KW system can generate around 40% of a household's yearly electricity needs. If the system is eligible to receive the Feed In Tariffs (FITs) it could generate savings and income of around £900 per year. Don't forget the 1 tonne of carbon dioxide emissions saved per year.
Maintenance is generally small. You will need to keep the panels clean and make sure trees don't begin to overshadow them.
Some companies are now offering free solar PV to customers in return for the income generated through FITs.
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