As it turns out the traditional light bulb isn’t very energy efficient, producing less than 15 Lumens/Watt, the rest of the energy is wasted as heat. With global warming on everybody’s minds, a number of countries including the European Union and Canada have banned incandescents while the US will follow suite by 2014. So where will our lighting come from if not from incandescents? We have options.

Compact florescent bulbs(CFL) first became affordable in the late 90′s and since then have become widespread. Vastly more energy efficient than incandescent’s, CFL’s produce over 60 Lumens/Watt. Not everyone is a Read the rest of this entry »

The advantages of green resources and solar power are virtually a given in today’s shifting energy markets. The benefits for anyone installing solar panels or taking advantage of wind energy are widely reported in both the news and on a personal level. However, some people lack the ability to install solar panels either because they simply cannot afford the initial cost or because they are renting. In addition, some residents that live in extremely remote areas do not have access to large utility suppliers who make renewable resources part of their infrastructure. Despite these limitations, individuals and small businesses can still do their part for the environment by taking advantage of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). In Texas, electricity customers in deregulated markets can compare TXU energy rates to other green options in search of the best deal.

These programs allow people without easy access to renewable energy sources to buy energy credits from other providers who are producing energy using these means. This program is beneficial for communities in that it encourages the development and utilization of green energy production on the individual and corporate level. It also helps to regulate energy rates. As more people begin to take advantage of the program, energy rates stabilize due to the fact that there are a diverse number of sources supplying energy to be stored and distributed.

One REC represents 1 megawatt-hour of electricity. Whoever has produced this Rec can then sell it on the open, deregulated energy market. This system allows households to purchase their energy from sources that they know are using renewable resources as their means of production. Households can go green by simply becoming more conscientious of where the energy they buy comes from. RECs are seeing their most success in relation to solar energy. The program, as predicted, is encouraging carbon-neutral energy production. The more customers demand purchasing energy through the use of this system, the less production companies will rely on production methods that release harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

The system is similar to the emissions trade system that was enacted not long ago. Wind farms that produce electricity and feed it back into the grid are credited for the amount of power that they have provided. These RECs can then be freely sold on the open market. The energy producer is not selling the energy itself on the open market; however, they are allowing virtually anyone to help encourage and reward producing clean energy for widespread use through the grid already in place.

Homeowners with the space to set up alternative energy can pay a bit now to avoid electric bills forever. Consider these alternative power generation options for the home to get off the electric grid once and for all.

Solar – Solar power is one of the most easily accessible alternative power generation options for the home. Solar panel installation on your roof can generate enough power to run your home and send power back to the electric grid on some days and enough to significantly offset your electricity bill in most locations.

Wind – Wind turbines are a Read the rest of this entry »

Are you looking for ways to save energy in your home? There are many things you can do to save wasted energy that you may not have thought of. We all know to turn off lights when we exit a room. This one act is just the tip of the iceberg. You will see a significant savings in your monthly and yearly energy bills by the simple act of unplugging power sources all around your home. With the exception of the refrigerator and security system, anything else can be unplugged.

Top 13 appliances that will save energy if Read the rest of this entry »

While solar power certainly has the potential to offer a versatile and beneficial alternative to conventional power sources, it still faces many limitations. Being able to effectively store the surplus energy that PV panels are able to create will ensure that installations and equipment will be able to meet the needs of customers even on cloudy days and situations where sunlight may be in short supply. New technology and developments within the industry have provide next-generation solutions that have made solar a more robust and versatile means of energy production, even in environments and conditions that Read the rest of this entry »

Investing in self-powered outdoor lighting may be a small effort that is able to provide you with superior results. Having to power your outdoor fixtures and lighting through your electric utility supplier can be a costly proposition, one that further increases demand for power that has been generated through unsustainable means. Lights and fixtures that are able to convert the rays of the sun into a usable power source have enjoyed greater efficiency and performance as well as a falling price point in recent years, making them a simple and cost-effective option that any property owner would do well Read the rest of this entry »

The growing demand for renewable resources and alternative energy options, coupled with the technological advances that have create next-generation materials and equipment, have made solar power a more effective option for homeowners than ever before. Learning more about the products and equipment that can be made available for your home can be an important part of any effort to create a greener and more efficient household. From simple products like solar powered lighting for your yard or porch to more sophisticated equipment that will be able to meet all of your power needs, powering some or all of your home Read the rest of this entry »