According to the Department of Trade and Industry, over 42,000 Active Solar Heating systems are estimated to be currently in use in UK homes and are said to be able to meet around half a users’ annual domestic hot water needs.

With the growing emphasis on energy conservation more and more people are considering solar hot water heating to boost traditional methods of providing hot water for their home.

A solar heating system can provide a reasonable share of domestic hot water energy. It can be used alongside any existing traditional water heating system to provide hot water energy, giving you peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. If you have a swimming pool, a solar heating system is the ideal way of providing heated water.

Solar heating is not just for sun drenched countries!

When you think of solar heating, you tend think of it being used in warmer countries where the sun shines for hours every day. Nowadays however, it doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining all the time, because the new vacuum tube solar panels are unaffected by things like wind chill or cooler air temperatures. Due to their vacuumed more…

With increasing climatic condition change and prolonged drought conditions in Ausralia, many people are trying to save water and energy on the dryest inhabited continent on earth.

The buildings in which we live, work and play, protect us from the elements but also shape the environment around us. The construction and operation of buildings requires a huge input of resources. The location of buildings and what resources are used affects the ecosystem in a number of ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent people are looking for ways that can significantly decrease this impact and make their homes and offices healthier to live and work in.

Some of the biggest long-term challenges facing our nation are securing sustainable water and power suppliers for our future and reducing the production of greenhouse gases to limit the impact of climate change.

We live on the driest inhabited continent on earth, yet are one of the highest per capita consumers of water. Melbourne is experiencing the lowest level of water supply in many years. Yet we each consume, on average, 400 litres of water every day.

Many people assume that more…

Energy has become one of the most important topics of our times because so much of our daily lives rely on it. The cost of energy is changing the way Americans think and act. According to Texas oil man, T. Boone Pickens, in this year alone, Americans will spend $700 billion on oil. So, if you are planning to purchase or build a new NC mountain home, it may be a good idea to consider alternative energy sources such as solar – an area where North Carolina is leading the way into the future.

The Green Idea House: Prime NC Mountain Real Estate

Solar has many uses in healthy-built homes of today. In fact, the NC Healthy Built Homes Program provides a certificate for homes that meet “green home guidelines” built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies. These green practices make the home a comfortable, healthy and affordable place to live while reducing energy and water usage, promoting renewable energy use, and helping to protect the land where the home is built. These practices are put into effect in Southern Living’s 2008 “green” Idea more…

Public concern about global warming and rising energy costs has led to an increased interest in clean, renewable energy. Solar energy is a particularly attractive alternative to petroleum dependence. Solar energy is a clean, reliable and endlessly renewable energy source, and new technology has made it more affordable than ever to homes and businesses.

Even so, the initial cost of buying and installing a solar energy system can be daunting. A typical solar installation for a single family dwelling could cost $20,000. Though using solar power saves money on utility bills, eventually giving a complete return on your investment, the initial cost can be prohibitive to many consumers.

Fortunately there are numerous financial incentives at the federal, state and local level that can significantly defray the cost of installing a solar energy system.

Incentives are available from federal, state and municipal governments, from local and regional groups including non-profit and private organizations, and from local utility companies.

At the federal level, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2005 provided funding for tax incentives for residential and commercial applications. This Act seeks more…

With fuel reserves running out at a rate faster than they are being used and new energy sources not being built fast enough to keep up with future demand it is only prudent that we use the abundant energy available for free from the sun – solar energy. Using solar energy helps greatly reduce environmental pollution. Many people resist installing solar power in their homes thinking them to be extremely expensive and cumbersome. The other problem is that we really do not understand the technology involved and are wary of change in the way that we generate our power requirements. You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to install and make use of these power solutions. In your own homes. The major benefit being that they will significantly reduce your power bills. You will also be secure in the knowledge that you are doing your part in saving energy resources and reducing the impact of pollution

for future generations.

Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking device that uses only the power of the sun for cooking. You can easily cook food for up to five people in the small box like device. If more…

There are two thoughts when it comes to a solar hot water heater, depending on the location your hoping to put the hot water, solar panels might not be required. Nevertheless, to provide hot water through your entire home a solar hot water heater must be connected to an adequate number of solar panels to charge your batteries once the hot water usage is completed.

Active and Passive Systems

There are usually two kinds of systems: active and passive with active systems incorporating pumps and other types of controls whereas the passive systems doesn’t need such accessories. Typically in a solar hot water heater the heat will transfer the water into pipes or other types of storage systems then it is exposed it to sunlight, heating the water contained in the pipes. It is moved to storage tank by various pumps in an active system whereas gravity is normally used to move the water in a passive system.

In a solar hot water heater the storage tank needs to be very well insulated to keep the water’s heat level elevated.. In numerous systems there are two tanks where water is heated using the collectors and then it more…

Waitsfield, VT March 21, 2008 – Houseneeds.com, The Vermont based internet seller of energy efficient, environmentally friendly heating and ventilation products, has partnered with Fafco of Chico, California, to offer the Hot2o Solar Hot Water System to homeowners across the USA and Canada at a very special introductory price.

The Fafco Hot2o Solar Hot Water System was designed to work in conjunction with a household’s existing water heater, whether it’s a standard tank or a more energy efficient Tankless water heater, to dramatically reduce the typical Homeowner’s water heating costs. Utilizing the free energy provided by the sun, the Hot2o can produce up to 50% of the hot water required by the typical US household. The Hot2o’s unique drainback system protects it from the possibility of freezing, making installation quick and easy in any climate.

Besides savings of up to 50% for water heating costs, The Hot2o also qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit. Made right here in America, the system comes with a worry free 3 year warranty. Light weight and easy to install, Houseneeds.com is ready to ship the Hot2o out today for a special introductory price of $2203.75. more…