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A Green Investment » Maximizing Solar |
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If you're thinking about solar, you want to consider how to maximize your investment, and the key is to switch out your gas usage for electrical wherever possible. Your gas costs will be rising as fast or faster than electricity, and once you're solar, the more electricity you use, the more the electricity you produce is worth. While these changes won't be viable for everyone, those that can take advantage of them will be able to tie solar into an overall reduction in expense while diminishing their ecological impact. Remember, the more solar electricity you use, the less carbon based energy you burn.
We'd never recommend you get rid of your gas stove, but convection ovens and electric broilers, crock pots and tea kettles are all smart choices in the kitchen. Electric dryers are also more efficient in the laundry dept, and energy star units conserve water as well. When look for any new appliance, always look for energy star ratings.
If you're thinking about solar, you want to consider how to maximize your investment, and the key is to switch out your gas usage for electrical wherever possible. Your gas costs will be rising as fast or faster than electricity, and once you're solar, the more electricity you use, the more the electricity you produce is worth. While these changes won't be viable for everyone, those that can take advantage of them will be able to tie solar into an overall reduction in expense while diminishing their ecological impact. Remember, the more solar electricity you use, the less carbon based energy you burn.
We'd never recommend you get rid of your gas stove, but convection ovens and electric broilers, crock pots and tea kettles are all smart choices in the kitchen. Electric dryers are also more efficient in the laundry dept, and energy star units conserve water as well. When look for any new appliance, always look for energy star ratings.
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An air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the outdoor coil; which pulls heat from the outside air. After the gas is compressed, it passes into the indoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the inside of the house.
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With 30 electric car manufacturers entering the market (in addition to the plug-in Prius and Detroit's offerings), your solar powered carport could be replacing the gas pump soon.
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Heating is a major component of most homes' energy usage. In those that have central air conditioning, a heat pump can be connected to the unit, reversing the direction of the coil and turning it into a heater. However, AC is fairly rare in the inner bay area, so homes use gas would require switching the furnace to a heat pump. This requires a further financial calculation, in that the replacement and installation cost must be factored against the fuel savings. Heat pumps can still be a tremendous value over time, however, and work well in our climate.
Click here for a complete explanation of heat pumps.
Heating is a major component of most homes' energy usage. In those that have central air conditioning, a heat pump can be connected to the unit, reversing the direction of the coil and turning it into a heater. However, AC is fairly rare in the inner bay area, so homes use gas would require switching the furnace to a heat pump. This requires a further financial calculation, in that the replacement and installation cost must be factored against the fuel savings. Heat pumps can still be a tremendous value over time, however, and work well in our climate.
Click here for a complete explanation of heat pumps.
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Much like the solar panel, the electric car is gradually becoming mainstream, and much like the solar panel, it has fought every step of the way. While the oil and coal industry enjoys multi-billion dollar subsidies and tax breaks, solar research has been ignored and underfunded since Reagan took office. The electric car, however, was actually developed, sold, lauded, and then destroyed by GM.
This time, however, there is no turning back. With the Tesla roadster leading the charge, e-cars will be outselling SUVs for years to come. This is great news for solar owners, who can use their systems to charge their cars, thereby doubling their savings while halving their environmental impact. Find out more about powering electric cars with solar.
Much like the solar panel, the electric car is gradually becoming mainstream, and much like the solar panel, it has fought every step of the way. While the oil and coal industry enjoys multi-billion dollar subsidies and tax breaks, solar research has been ignored and underfunded since Reagan took office. The electric car, however, was actually developed, sold, lauded, and then destroyed by GM.
This time, however, there is no turning back. With the Tesla roadster leading the charge, e-cars will be outselling SUVs for years to come. This is great news for solar owners, who can use their systems to charge their cars, thereby doubling their savings while halving their environmental impact. Find out more about powering electric cars with solar.
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