Solar Panels: What You Should Know

Imagine living in an area with plenty of sunshine. The vast majority seek ways to prevent or block out the sun, viewing it as something to avoid. But the sun produces one of the most abundant forms of energy, renewable energy, that is all over the world and it is free. Instead of “hiding” from the sun, we can use ways to capture that energy and put it to good use. One option is through the use of solar panels.
This discussion will not focus on the “how does a solar panel work” but instead will answer some questions concerning is it right for me? Is it right for my home? This will help save time and money unnecessarily spent.
The 1st thing you must do is to contact your local building departments and local power company. At your building department, you are inquiring whether there are codes and ordinances in place. Are there requirements that must be met for solar panels? Next, your power company. Here you will want to ask if there are any credits, rebates or incentives for installing solar panels. Inquire if the area in which you live is feasible. Even ask them for a few local people that are using solar panels.
With all requirements satisfied, next gather up the information you will need. The internet is filled with free information. But, if you are planning on constructing one yourself, I am recommending that you research and purchase a “how to” manual from someone with experience building homemade solar panels. You want the author to be the builder as well. One who has “been there and done that”. If you run into a snag while building, you will have support from someone who knows how to get you un-jammed. These instruction books are easy, step by step instructions, complete with diagrams, for the novice as well the more advanced. One more plug: by purchasing from an author/builder, you help support the endeavors taken to bring you the knowledge gained by experience. Basically, you are paying for their printed knowledge that will benefit you for years to come.
If you have obtained the proper manuals, the next step is gathering the materials listed and the tools required. You will probably find that you have most of the tools and the materials in abundance in your area. Because of the interest in renewable energy and advanced technologies, you can build your own solar panel system in a day.
Once completed and in operation, you may find the use of this free energy has reduced your dependence on non-renewable energy. That saves you money. In fact, studies show an 80% decrease in the amount of energy purchased from local utilities by using solar panels. This translates into huge savings on your part. Not to mention playing your part in helping to reduce energy waste and pollution.
Now a word of caution. In addition to the many benefits of using solar energy, there are also warnings. There is an inherit danger in all energy. Concerning the sun, take safety measures in protecting your eyes and your skin. Solar energy can cause irreparable eye damage from reflection of the sun if the panels are not handled properly and respectfully. If your solar panel system is for generating electricity, use caution here as well. For more information on homemade solar panels,I recommend you purchase one of these books on this blog. You help support them as they extend their experience and knowledge to you that will benefit you years to come. Hey, thanks.

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Window Tinting vs Solar Screens: Are there Differences?

I have been in window tinting over 20 years and the debate on whether solar screens or having your windows tinted is your best option depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Manufacturers dealers of both products are quick to point out the obvious advantages of their product over the competition. You could use both. The #1 reason people look into solar screens or window film is heat reduction. Here are the major differences between the two products:• Window tint can reject up to 90% of solar heat energy in the summer
o Solar screens also can reject up to 90% in the summer
• Window tint slows heat loss through the windows in winter
o Solar screens cannot do anything to prevent winter heat loss
• Window tint can reject 99% of ultra violet (UV) rays that cause harm
o Solar screens can reject up to 90% of the UV rays
• Window tint reduces annoying glare by filtering out solar light transmissions
o Solar screens reduce glare by reducing the amount of light
• Window tint helps hold broken glass together
o Solar screens, well, simply cannot
• Window films are virtually maintenance free and easy to clean
o Solar screens must be taken down to properly clean screens
• Window films can enhance the beauty of your home
o Solar screens fail to enhance the beauty your home
Since window tint is applied to the inside face of your windows, it is not subject to the outside elements of weather, making it last longer than solar screens exposed. Older technology films over time lost its visibility qualities and experience peeling and bubbling. In these cases, the window film that was considered high grade then still lasted over 20 years in its effectiveness to reduce and control energy use. Solar screens, only after a few brutal years outside in the elements and they already have lost their new look.
Window films were initially developed in the 1960’s to control interior heating from solar radiation and to prevent heat loss through the glass to the outside. Solar screens are mounted on the outside and away from the glass and can only work to reduce energy use in hot weather months. It is the glass that is critical. Applied to the inside face of the glass, window film then can work as a protective metalized type barrier, reducing heat gain in the summer months and reducing heat loss in the winter months.
Window tinting your home or office will save you money year around on your power bill by reducing your energy use. Plus, by reducing your energy use, you then are not wasting energy and doing your part in helping the environment.
For more information on ways to use free renewable energy, visit us at here

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Here's How to Select the Proper Residential or Commercial Window Tint

In selecting the proper window film for your home or office, you will first want to ask yourself the question, “Why do I want to window tint?” There will be several common answers and ultimately they will all lead to the selection of the highest grade available.
The most common answers to why I want to window tint followed by a window tint benefit:
• I want to cut down on the solar heat coming through the windows. Window tint reduces up to 80% of the sun's heat that comes through the windows by reflecting it away from your home.
• I want to reduce fading of my furnishings. Window tint blocks out up to 99% of the ultraviolet rays that cause fading of drapes, furniture, artwork and even flooring.
• I want to reduce the annoying glare. Window tint helps reduce annoying glare by up to 93%.
• I want privacy and security. Window tint helps hold the glass in the frame when struck to prevent flying glass and dangerous shards, protecting against one of the greatest dangers to your family, which is the threat of broken glass.
• I want to reduce heat loss in winter months. Window tint reduces heat loss through your windows by reflecting it back into your room.
• I want to save money, reduce my utility bill, and help the environment by going green and not wasting energy. Window tint was originally developed as a way to reduce energy waste year around by controlling the solar heat in the summer and retaining the heat in the winter, thus using less and paying less, saving you money.
When selecting the proper window film, call your local window tint company and ask for a free estimate. You want a film that will do all of the above. Avoid the low cost films, as they will not be worth it over time. Just let them know up front that you want the highest heat rejecting but virtually un-noticeable window film available. These films come with a lifetime warranty, and many carry seal and glass breakage warranties. Ask your local professional.

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Window Tinting vs Tinted and Low E Glass?

Window Tinting vs Tinted and Low E Glass?
By David Letro and submitted to Amazines.com

The windows in our homes and businesses are the most complex and interesting elements that connect our interior living spaces with the great outdoors. They provide light and fresh air. Unfortunately, they represent a major source of unwanted heat gain in summer and significant heat loss in winter, resulting in energy waste and higher utility costs.
With advanced technology, the energy performance of windows has changed in a positive way with remarkable new glazing materials and framing structures.

Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficient windows will dramatically reduce your energy costs, help to create a cleaner and healthier environment by reducing gas emissions, plus make your home more comfortable.

Insulated windows with the low-e feature are becoming increasingly popular because they help retain inside room heat. Low-E (low-emissivity) windows have coatings on the glass to control energy transfer. For cold weather control, low-E windows are installed with the coating on the inside of your home/office. For hot weather control, they are installed with coating facing outside. You must decide which climate you want to control when considering low e windows for reducing your energy bill and waste. Windows manufactured with Low-E coatings typically cost about 10%–15% more than regular windows reduce energy loss by as much as 30%–50%.

Energy Efficient Window Films

Window films are a protective, metalized barrier applied directly to the inside face of your windows. This barrier on the glass will work all year around to control energy usage and waste.
Here’s how window film works to reduce your energy costs year around:

• In warm weather months, the film reduces energy consumption by rejecting solar energy attempting to enter through the glass. (If you do not use an air conditioner or any type of cooling system, ceiling fans and such, then this will not apply to you).
• In cold months, window film will retain your the level of heat inside by preventing heat from escaping through the glass.

Window films ability to block summer heat gain and retain winter heat is the major reason its use is considered a “green” renewable energy product.
Originally developed in the 1960’s, window films were 1st designed to control interior heating from solar heat and to prevent heat loss to the outside. Windows tinted can reduce energy loss by as much as 80%.

The best option for solar control concerning your windows at home or your business is window film. Windows alone, even low E windows, can only work part time to control solar energy.

Contact your local residential/commercial window film professional for an in house consultation of your solar control window film benefits.

For more renewable energy resources, visit us here

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