When you flip your light switch on you probably don’t think twice about how that light is powered, but if you trace it all the way back, you’ll probably see that it comes from a coal or gas resource used to put power all over the world. Although the convenience of simply flipping a switch is one that almost everyone enjoys now, it won’t be so convenient in the future when these power systems stop working.

Solar energy, on the other hand, is a renewable resource which means that as long as it’s replaced, it will continue to provide. For example: trees. If someone cuts down a tree and then plants a new one to take the place of the tree which was cut down, then this is a renewable resource. Unfortunately, there’s no way to replace the coal and gas that we rely on now for power. There are ten advantages to using solar energy in your home.

First and for most, solar energy is renewable so you never have to worry that the sun will not produce light. As long as the sun shines there will be a source of energy. And if it ever stops shining, well, we’ve got much bigger problems!

• Solar energy is great for the environment. It doesn’t produce any nasty byproducts; solar cells will not emit any harmful gases that pollute the air.

• You can rely on renewable resource collectors such as solar panels. A panel can produce thousands of hours of solar power with minimal maintenance. Solar power panels and other supplies can be purchased direct at www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk,  so you can create a self-sufficient home.

•  There is no hum or noise that comes from any type of solar cell; although there is a simple little noise, it is nothing like that which comes from a power plant in your back yard.

• You are able to control your cost more effectively with solar panels. You have an initial expense when purchasing the tools and equipment to set up your solar power system, but it will pay off over time. You won’t receive a monthly bill from the sun; simply flip on your switch and enjoy.

• There are many different types of Plough Croft solar panels to choose from, and there are also different prices so you can select the one that best suits your needs. Whether you have a small one bedroom cottage or a huge multi-level business building, you can find the right size and type of solar panels to purchase. Some of these panels cost just a few hundred pounds while others could be in the thousands, but you can control your own cost.

• When you use solar energy you are self-sufficient, so you never have to link up to the main power grid. This means that you no longer have service charges or other charges associated with your home.

• Consider selling your extra energy. When your panels are large enough and generate more than enough power, your energy meter will actually spin backwards and the power company can then buy the extra from you if you’re connected to the grid.

• In some places, you can receive a tax credit at the end of the year to help when you are able to provide proof of your purchase of solar energy equipment. You can expect to get back up to 30% of your total cost. This is a big saving that will help you to enjoy using the solar power panels.

• Solar energy is always changing as more and more is being discovered. There are several solar panel kits that you can purchase at www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk  for any size of home. So now, you can create a self-sustaining home no matter where you live.

Today’s article is a guest post from Jade. Whatcha’ got to say, Jade?

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Everybody loves to get stuff, and giving gifts can be even more fun than receiving them. Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or care packages, we may find ourselves having to send gifts through the mail rather than hand delivering them. If you’re a green minded person, the gifts you send and the way you send them can reflect that personal philosophy. Here’s how:

The Gift Itself

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to want to send greener gifts. And the gift doesn’t have to be a bag of trail mix that makes the recipient roll their eyes either. In fact, green gifts can be cool, unique and even extremely useful.

• Have a tree named after someone in the Rainforest – Any anti-deforestation advocate will appreciate having a tree purchased in their name. And even people who aren’t passionate about saving the Rainforest will enjoy the idea that the conifer bearing their name will grow and thrive long after they are gone.

• Send Vegetables– Flowers in a vase are nice, but vegetables that can be planted in a garden are a present that will last much longer. Sending vegetables instead of flowers also encourages local growing and self-sustenance. You won’t need long distance movers for a small plant, but try to avoid sending anything in full bloom.

• A Wind-up Universal Remote – Even with recycling programs in place, millions of batteries still wind up in land fills every year. With this remote, you can cut batteries out of the television control equation altogether. Simply by winding it, you’ll be able to generate all of the power necessary to run it without ever having to resort to batteries.

• A Solar Powered Charger – When a charger is left plugged in, it continues to use electricity even when it’s not charging a device. If you know a forgetful un-plugger, these gadgets will allow them to eliminate charger cords for good. They are also great gifts for frequent campers who often don’t have access to outlets and don’t want to drain car batteries.

• Organic Cotton – The cotton growth and production process is astoundingly chemically intensive and dependent on pesticides. That’s why buying organic cotton is a great way to help reduce the demand on such an environmentally destructive industry. Many people say that organic cotton is softer and more comfortable which may be a result of the lack of chemicals used in manufacturing. That makes organic cotton garments, towels, napkins or sheets awesome gifts for anyone on any occasion.

• Green cosmetics – Most women use some form of cosmetics in their day to day lives, whether it’s full on face paint or just Chap Stick. The problem with common cosmetics is the myriad of sketchy chemicals used to make them. But the gift of greener make-up is something that most females will appreciate. Mineral foundation, natural lip balms, or other organic and petroleum free products are all great gifts that are good for the planet.

• Water Efficiency Products – We waste a lot of water in this country without even thinking about it. From showers and toilet flushing to watering our gardens, we tend to be sadly cavalier with H20. Fortunately, there are bathroom based gifts like the Perfect Flush that can minimize the use of excess toilet water. There are also many styles of low-flow shower heads to optimize shower water usage. For an outdoorsy person, you can send a rain barrel to collect rain water. The accumulated water can then be used in place of sprinklers in a garden. These kinds of equipment upgrades aren’t always high on everyone’s to-do list, so they make the perfect green gift idea.

Packing and Shipping

Don’t stop at going green with just the theme of the gift; the way you send it matters too. When you’re packing a gift, think about alternatives to typical packing materials. If you can, always avoid any form of Styrofoam packing peanuts and even bubble wrap. Re-use old newspapers or think about including a form of textile in the gift like a towel or t-shirt that you can use to protect more breakable items.  If you’re wrapping the present in gift paper or sending a greeting card, look for recycled or tree-free versions of theses items. Wrapping paper made of flax or hemp is just as attractive and much more eco-friendly.

When you’re shipping the gift, the mode you choose can be another statement of a social conscience. Whether you’re using FedEx, UPS or USPS, there are ways to make your shipment more carbon neutral. Using route optimization technologies, these institutions are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. By making fewer stops, using the most efficient routes and eliminating empty cargo containers, these shipping companies are all doing their part to help make the delivery industry kinder to the environment. If you want to go the extra mile, and spend a few extra dollars, you have the option of purchasing GreenShipping carbon offsets to truly eliminate the carbon footprint of your shipment.

If you are a green-minded individual, there are ways to evangelize without being preachy and annoying. The gifts you send others can be representatives of the many awesome green products on the market. Some of them are just cool, while others can really improve people’s lives. And when you choose a greener way to send your gift the message is two-fold. This subtle strategy is a smart way to help spread the green message while bringing a smile to the face of someone you love.

Jade writes for uShip, a site helping people find long distance movers and other shipping help. Jade has been working in print and online marketing for many years and has become very active in blogging.

This is a guest post from The Energy Conservation Group. Take it away, guys:

How to power your home has become a really hot topic in the media. In the last few years, the debate about our carbon footprint and the damage we are doing to the earth has gained significant column inches.

So, people have been turning to the oldest and most powerful source of energy our world has ever seen; our sun. However, there is a lot of confusion about solar panels and the benefits they can bring you.

Here is why you should invest in solar photovoltaic technology:

• It’s reliable. A lot of people think that if you don’t live in a hot country, you won’t benefit from solar PV. The latest solar PV technology enables you to use energy from the sun even on a cloudy day!
• It could make you some serious money. The UK government introduced the Feed-In tariff in 2010. It means that when you generate energy from a renewable energy source, your energy supplier will pay you for every KW you produce. They will also pay you to sell your surplus energy back to the National Grid. What’s more, you’ll also save money on your bills.
• You’ll be doing your bit. Each KW of solar power you produce means that you don’t produce electricity from a non-renewable source. As our earth’s resources are finite and the sun’s energy is not, installing solar PV makes perfect sense.

The Energy Conservation Group has been a leading installer of solar PV for over twenty years, has successfully fitted many quality solar panels and has a vast list of happy customers.

The Energy Conservation Group guarantees you excellent customer service care before, during and after your installation. All of their engineers are MCS registered and adhere to the REAL code of conduct. They also only ever use the very best quality components. Their vast experience and passion for their customers and the environment makes them the ideal installer of your solar panels. Go to http://www.tecg.co.uk and see for yourself.

This is a guest post by Lisa Shoreland. Thanks for contributing, Lisa.

Commercially made shampoos and skin-care products are full of chemicals that are bad for both the environment and your body. You can buy products that use organic ingredients and are free of phthalates, parabens and other harmful chemicals, but the best way to be sure that your products are free of any suspicious ingredients is to make them yourself.

Fortunately, shampoos and skin treatments can be made with many ingredients you may already have around your house. Here are a few easy recipes to try:

Hair Care

To make shampoo at home, you will need castile soap to use as a base. You can find castile soap at a health-food store or from an online vendor. You can purchase scented varieties or unscented. To make a basic soap, simply mix two parts castile soap with one part water and one part vegetable oil. The basic recipe can then be altered to include other scents and herbs depending on your needs – moisturizing, repair, lightening, etc. The basic recipe will not be as thick as commercial brands, which contain sudsing agents, but it will clean your hair and will not leave a chemical residue.

To add scents to the basic recipe, steep herbs in 1 cup boiling water for 30 minutes. Allow them to cool completely in the water. Strain the herbs, and add the water to your basic recipe.

Some herbs and oils and their properties:

• Aloe Vera, moisturizing
• Chamomile, soothing
• Lemon, lightening and refreshing
• Lavender, nourishing (for dryness)
• Peppermint, cleansing (for oily hair)
• Coconut, moisturizing
• Avocado, moisturizing

Experiment with different herbs and oils to find a mix that works for your hair.

Conditioner

Creating a deep-moisturizing conditioner is quite simple. Mix 2 cups of mayonnaise with ½ avocado, apply to hair, and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes. You can wrap your hair in plastic wrap or a shower cap to prevent a mess. Simple rinse your hair and let it air dry.

Skin Care

A simple toner can be made by mixing one part water with one part Bragg’s apple cider vinegar. Simply dip a cotton ball in the mixture and swab it over your face to remove excess dirt, oil, and residue.

For a healthy scrub, mix two parts cold-pressed olive oil with one part sea salt. Combine the ingredients and massage over skin to cleanse and exfoliate.

For deep moisturizing, mix one part lemon juice, honey, turmeric powder and milk powder into a paste. Apply to your face, let it dry, then rinse with warm water.

Oatmeal, milk, honey, and salt are common ingredients for homemade skin care products. Try mixing ingredients and experimenting until you find what works for your skin type.

Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College where she’s been researching attending private universities as well as admissions application tips. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.

Solar power, as we know it, has been around for almost a century. Many people believe that it’s still the same basic technology that helped power early spacecraft and the White House in the 1970′s. But advancements over the past 10 years have brought solar to the cutting edge with new investment and an emphasis on research. Here are three solar innovations that are making this type of renewable energy more affordable, easier to obtain, and more efficient for generations to come.

1.  Thin-Film Cells Will Cut Solar Costs in Half

When most people picture solar panels, they think of the large, black cells with aluminum framing that resemble windows. These are crystalline panels and have been used for decades. The problem with them is that they are time and energy consuming to make. Similar to the process for making silicon computer chips, the manufacturing process requires highly trained technicians, clean rooms, and energy-gobbling machinery.

Thin-film solar is a completely different take on solar cells. The cells themselves often come in a roll and the manufacturing process is similar to a printing process, dramatically reducing the cost of solar power. Panels using traditional crystalline technology still cost in the $2/watt range. Thin film cells cost closer to $1/watt and that price is falling quickly.

Thin film cells are being consumed in large quantities by utility scale projects now, making it difficult for consumers to get their hands on them. This is changing daily though as nearly every major solar manufacturer has a thin-film model coming out, which will make it easier for the average homeowner to have this exciting new technology.

2.  Micro-Inverters Are Great for Affordability & Efficiency

Inverters are usually an essential piece of a solar power system. An inverter takes the power that comes from the panels, which is direct current (DC), and changes it into alternating current (AC). AC is what we have in our outlets at home and work and is what most appliances need to operate. The inverters of the past were large, expensive, and generated large amounts of waste heat. The cheapest inverters cost around $3000, which meant that the cheapest solar power systems were in the $10,000 range.

Microinverters have changed everything. Now, for less than $200, you can have an inverter on each solar panel, and have a system that consists of just one panel if you wish. That means the entry point for installing a solar power system is now as low as $1000. Many people start with one or two panels, and add on a panel or two each year (its a great idea to do this on Earth Day and make it a learning activity for the kids).

They also dramatically increase the efficiency and decrease the installation time for solar power kits. In the not so distant future there will be microinverters integrated into the actual construction of the panel, which means, at long last, you may just be able to plug your solar panel right into the wall.

3.  New Racking Options Make For Fast, Cheap Installation

Most people would be surprised to learn that at least 25% of the equipment cost, and 75% of the labor cost of solar kits go into the racking that holds the solar panels. This technology in particular has not changed significantly in 100 years. The process of mounting bolts into the roof surface, rails to the hold the panels, and wiring and grounding systems was time consuming and dangerous.

Now, we are finally seeing some new options in racking for solar. The new equipment eliminates the rails and grounding equipment and can be installed in less than half the time of traditional racking systems.

Solar costs have already come down by as much as 50% in the past 5 years. Over the next decade, prices should come down even more dramatically, thanks to a renewed interest in this promising technology. Before long, solar power should achieve the holy grail: compete with fossil fuel generated power, without government incentives.

This is a guest post by Kriss Bergethon who lives off the grid with his wife and family. For more information visit Solar Panels.

Tyler’s Note: This is a guest post from Tom Becker from Money Choices, a personal finance site that allows you to compare interest rates. Take it away, Tom.

So you want to go solar, huh? There’s a lot to learn about the technology, so you might want to learn a thing or two from the people who know the most about it. Here are 7 questions that get asked a lot and their answers. Nothing scary, just good ol’ facts:

• How the heck is electricity made from light? Long ago, scientists discovered that some materials give off electrons when exposed to light. Other materials absorb electrons when light shines on them. By fusing these materials together, an electric pump is formed that causes current to flow, providing electricity. Solar cells are made up of large areas of photovoltaic materials like this that generate power based on this property.

• How efficient are solar cells? Scientists have measured the energy potential of sunlight at 1,000 watts for every square meter. Right now, the average solar cell achieves about 10% conversion (that means 900 watts get wasted), although some cells have achieved up to 30%. The challenge is to make solar cells more efficient in the way they convert light to electricity. Doing so will allow them to be made smaller for the same amount of power, or to made larger with much higher levels of capacity.

• What size should my solar system be? A common question asked of solar power installers centers around the size and capability of the system. This is important because in order to qualify for government subsidies a solar power system must fall within certain parameters. A minimum amount of power must come from the cells, but a maximum limit is also stipulated. Presumably, these specifications are put into place to keep homeowners from pocketing a profit from a tax rebate for low-end systems and to prevent them from selling surplus power generated by high end systems. Be sure to find out what the specific rules are that govern your installation.

• Why can’t I get 100% of my electricity from solar? Solar technology is still very expensive. In fact, the cost is so high that the market cannot support it because the return on investment is too low. Your solar panel installer will help you balance the cost of your system with tax supported rebates to optimize the return on your investment. For example, you can maximize your financial benefits from solar cells by using them to reduce your power requirements during times of peak demand when electricity comes into your home at the highest price.

• Where will the solar cells go? Your installers will review your home and the surrounding area to see where the best place for your solar system is. Roofs are often a preferred place, but before you give the go-ahead for installation, have your roof checked for structural integrity and load-bearing capability. Trees are often a problem, so be sure to choose a place that is as free of shade as possible to maximize the time your solar system will generate electricity.

• How long will the solar cells last? Right now, solar power systems are projected to last for about 25 years. Based on the life of the product and its cost, you can calculate how much you’ll pay for power over that time period. To see if solar is a good deal for you, compare the price of system to your public utility bill. With tax subsidies, your cost per kilowatt should always be less than what you pay for power from the grid.

• How do I know what I’m actually getting? Get detailed descriptions of all proposed solar power solutions from your installers so you can have a basis for researching the products on your own and be ready to compare the different proposals to find the one that is a best fit for you. All solar power equipment is not equal, so doing your homework before you sign the deal will help you get the most for your money.

These are 7 of the most common questions asked when dealing with solar power. Be sure to ask these and any other questions you might have to your installer so that you can make the most informed decisions as you adopt this exciting new technology into your own home.

Tom Becker works as a writer for Money Choices where you can compare interest rates. He writes regularly on the subject of managing your money.

Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home.  Without it, you’d be taking cold showers, washing your hands with cold water, and your dishwasher would have a rather hard time cleaning all those soiled dinner plates.  To keep your life as convenient as possible, your water heater is working really hard to make sure you have all the hot water you need on a daily basis.  However, in doing so, it’s also using up quite a lot of electricity.  In fact, the only thing in your house using more is likely your refrigerator.

At  an average $0.11 per kWh for electricity, the average American family spends around $1.30 per day for their hot water needs.  This equates to $475 every year.  If you could improve the efficiency of your water heater by just 25% (a very attainable goal), you could save $125 every year.  Below are 5  simple things that you can do to reduce your water heater’s electricity usage. Just be sure to check with your home insurance provider before making any radical changes to your home.

• Turn down the thermostat - Your water heater’s thermostat will probably allow you to turn the temperature up to around 160°, but you shouldn’t if you want to save energy.  Most people find that they can get by just fine with their thermostat set to 120° -- above that and you’re just paying for water that will serve little purpose but to scald you when you turn a faucet on too hot.

• Insulate the hot water pipe - No, you don’t need to undergo any renovation to do this.  Most of the heat that is lost in transmission from the tank to your faucet occurs in the first 6 feet of pipe leaving the water heater.  If you look at yours, you’ll probably find that there is at least 3 feet of exposed pipe that you can insulate.  This can make a big difference.  Any hardware store will carry the insulation you need.  Just be sure to measure the diameter of the pipe before you buy to ensure a snug fit.  Identifying the hot water pipe is really easy, too.  Just feel all of them.  Only one will be hot to the touch.

• Put a jacket on it - Do you get cold in the winter?  Well, so does your water heater! By insulating the whole unit with a water heater jacket, you will improve your water heater’s efficiency by keeping the water it has already heated hot.  When exposed to prolonged cold conditions, the heating element in your unit will have to stay on much more often in order to keep your water hot.  Your local hardware store probably carries one or two that you can choose from.  Here’s one available from Amazon.

• Clean it out - Over time, sediment and deposits build up in the tank of your water heater, forcing it to work harder and harder to deliver the same performance.  You can eliminate this problem by occasionally cleaning your tank out.  It’s not that difficult and you only need to do it about once a year to really benefit.  Just shut down all power to the unit, connect a garden hose to the emptying spigot and find a safe place to dump the water out.  That’s really all there is to it.  The video below gives an in depth explanation of how to do this safely and effectively for a gas water heater. For an electric one, just make sure you trip the breaker for it at the electrical panel.  Check it out:

• Reduce hot water consumption -- The best way to reduce your water heating bill is to simply use less hot water.  Take shorter showers.  Use an efficient dishwasher -- some newer models have a heater built in for on-demand use. Wash your clothes in cold water -- hot water is rarely needed to clean clothes these days with advanced detergents we have access to.  Use less, spend less.  It’s not the easiest concept to master, but it’s still the best.

If you’re extra ambitious:

• Install a solar water heater -- This tip will cost the most to implement ($1000-$3500), but is a fantastic way to substantially reduce your electric water heating needs (well beyond the 25% we were aiming for).  Don’t be put off by the price. You may be eligible for a number tax credits and rebates for installing a system like this.

There, you now have, on average, $125 a year to do something constructive with: put it in your emergency fund, use it to save towards another goal, or donate it to a worthy cause. The best part about these tips are that they all cost nothing or very little to implement.  With the exception of the solar water heater, the materials you buy to implement the other 5 tips will pay for themselves within about 4 months.

Be sure to share any other hot water saving tips you might have up your sleeve!