Affordable Solar & Wind

What features should I look for when purchasing a home solar power system?

Just wondering if some experts out there could give some advice on what to features to look for and to "look out" for when purchasing and having installed a home solar power system. Of course I know sizing it properly is a big issue. However, are there certain brands of the various components that should or should not be used, etc.

The biggest things to look out for is making sure the installer is qualified, and the equipment is UL Listed. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there now claiming to be installers, but have never done it before, or have no training and are doing it wrong. It's not the same as regular house electrical work, not just any electrician can do it.

NABCEP is an organization that certifies solar installers. They have to have years of experience and lots of training to even be able to sit for the exam. Just because an installer isn't certified, doesn't mean they aren't good, but having the certification is a great way to be sure they know what they are doing. If you don't have a certified installer in your area, try to find an installer who has done a number of installs and talk to their references.

As far as equipment, any reputable installer will use quality equipment. It has to be UL Listed to pass inspection, so unless this is their first, they'll know the good stuff.

Solar hydrogen home Michael Strizki

Nature Power 40401 Solar Home and RV Power Kit Auxiliary Battery $779.99 A complete solar kit that provides renewable energy to charge 12V batteries without the use of noisy expensive gas generators. This kit is great for emergencies or power outages and for those looking to use solar save money be environmentally friendly. Will provide power to watch movies power your laptop keep your lights ON and more It will keep essentials running in emergencies and anywhere power is needed. With Do It Yourself installation this kit is fast and easy to setup. Ideal applications: 13 LCD televisions DVD players phones lights radios computers fans electric razors water pumps and more Up to 1800 watts of power is delivered across 4 AC outlets powered by a 60 amp hour rechargeable battery. Works with any Nature Power brand solar panel up to 130 watts and includes 35 feet of cable an internal transfer switch 5 Amp AC Charger and 8 Amp Solar Charger. The entire unit is modular and solar panels or auxiliary batteries can be added to charge faster and run your appliances longer. CSA C22.2 no 107.3 and UL 1778 approved. length: 19.75. height: 16.75. width: 19

Solar Power Educational Kit $14.95 Solar Power Educational Kit

MAXSA SOLAR POWER 30W $75.99 MAXSA SOLAR POWER 30W

Nature Power 40400 Solar Home and RV Power Kit with 40 Watt Solar Panel $1559.99 A complete solar kit that provides renewable energy to charge 12V batteries without the use of noisy expensive gas generators. This kit is great for emergencies or power outages and for those looking to use solar save money be environmentally friendly. Will provide power to watch movies power your laptop keep your lights ON and more It will keep essentials running in emergencies and anywhere power is needed. With Do It Yourself installation this kit is fast and easy to setup. Ideal applications: 13 LCD televisions DVD players phones lights radios computers fans electric razors water pumps and more Up to 1800 watts of power is delivered across 4 AC outlets powered by a 60 amp hour rechargeable battery. Includes a 40W solar panel with 35 feet of cable an internal transfer switch 5 Amp AC Charger and 8 Amp Solar Charger. The entire unit is modular and solar panels or auxiliary batteries can be added to charge faster and run your appliances longer. CSA C22.2 no 107.3 and UL 1778 approved. length: 19.75. height: 16.75. width: 19

Solar Power 1927 $39.99 Solar Power 1927 - Giclee Print

Solar Power Your Home for Dummies By Degunther, Rik $24.43 Each book covers all the necessary information a beginner needs to know about a particular topic, providing an index for easy reference and using the series signature set of symbols to clue the reader in to key topics, categorized under such titles as Tip, Remember, Warning, Technical Stuff and True Story. Author: Degunther, Rik Series Title: For Dummies (Home Garden) Publication Date: 2010/01/19 Number of Pages: 388 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 1.00 Width: 7.25 Height: 9.25

Garden Sun Light GSLU998 SOLAR POWER HOME EMERGENCY KIT $140.31 . The only solar electronic rodent repellent that safely and effectively helps eliminate gophers yard moles shrews voles ground squirrels chipmunks kangaroo rats pocket mice and other burrowing rodents from lawns yards and gardens using a combination of sound vibration and fearinvoking signals. . It s time to get rid of that burrowing rodent in your yard making lawn care so difficult Use this natural pest control product to eliminate that rodent problem once and for all. Solar Powered Ultrasonic Pest Control Device (Set of 2pcs). . . Solar Powered Ultrasonic Pest Control Device has following features. . . Frequency: 400HZ 1000HZ. Rated voltage: 12V. Works day and night. Emits sonic tone every 30 50 seconds. Battery: 2 x 102V 600mA NiCd rechargeable battery. Safe with pets and children around. No Poison no chemical environmentally friendly. Sun Powered. No Wiring. Powered by the sun. Fast easy install. Energy electrical saving. Recharged by solar panel under sunlight. Safe Water Resistant. Corrosion resistant. CE certified. This environmentally friendly pest control device emits a powerful ultrasonic wave through your lawn to elimate ground hogs and other varmints. Effective coverage about 7000 square feet or 650 square metersand emits sounds underground every 3050 seconds. There are no batteries to replace or wires to plug it. Its solar powered panel makes it ideal for doityourself homeowners. For best results it is recommended to use 2 units approximately 60 ft. apart in the highest risk area. .

How to Solar Power Your Home Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply By Atlantic Publishing Company $28.24 Reveals how to search for, buy or build a solar power system for ones home, in a book that also looks at the real estate prospects for an solarpowered home. Original. Author: Maeda, Martha Series Title: Back to Basics Subtitle: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply Publication Date: 2010/12/30 Number of Pages: 336 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 6.00 Height: 9.00

Universal Hybrid Solar Charger $31 New Page 1   This universal "hybrid" solar charger is powerful enough to charge all of your handheld electronic products whether you're at home or on the move. It works by absorbing power from either the wall socket or direct sunlight, and then storing the energy within its internal battery. Once the battery is full, you can use the charger to power your cell phone, smart phone, iPod, MP3 player, PDA, Bluetooth headset, game player, GPS, or digital camera, making it a powerful all-in-one battery charger. This universal charger is also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. And the design couldn't be simpler, with a fan-blade outlay that achieves maximum solar area when in use. Just spread out the blades, expose them to direct sunlight, and get ready to take your power on the road.   Specifications:    1. The solar charger       Outer dimensions: 65*135*39mm       Weight: 180g       Solar panel output: 180mA  6V       Internal battery: Rechargeable 3.7volt, 1500MAH Lithium Ion       Maximum power consumption: 6W    2. Working parameters       1) The charging time         A.5-7hours is required to fully charge the internal batteries with the attached A/C adapter.         B.10-12 hours is required to fully charge the internal batteries with the sunlight.       2)         A.The attached adapter: AC IN(AC 100-240V  50-60Hz)  DC out (5.0V 500ma)         B.The solar cells: DC6V(No load) 180mA (No load)         C.Working voltage: 5.5V       Working current: 300mA     Instruction manual:    1. Please fully charge the unit via sunlight or adapter before first use.       To check power level, press the checking button. A red indication indicates its power less than 75% charge and a blue indication indicate its power more than 75% charge.    2. To charge the solar charger with the attached adapter: Plug the adapter into a AC socket and plug the other end into the ?IN? port of the Solar charger    3. Keep the open solar charger flat facing the sunlight. Position the solar cells in the direction of the sun.   Notes:   1. Please fully charge the unit prior to first use.   2. Don?t clean the solar charger with solvents of soap or water.   3. Handle it with care.   4. Please confirm the device voltage and the solar charger setting prior to attaching device to be charged.   5. Do not submerge the solar charger in the water.   Product information:  Accessories: 6pcs connectors,1pcs USB cable,1pcs input cable,1pcs adapter  Pa

Solar Power Kit $189.94 Solar Power Kit Solar Power Kitf/ Wireless Vantage Pro2™For use with a wireless Vantage Pro2 or original Vantage Pro console to make a stand-alone outdoor system. Powers the wireless console/receiver or Weather Envoy. (Outdoor sensors are powered by the solar panel that is included with the station).Compatible with both original Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2. Includes solar panel, regulator circuit, rechargeable battery, and 20' (6 m) cable.

Universal Solar Power Pack (2700 Mah) $22.99 UNIVERSAL SOLAR POWER PACK (2700 MAH)

Universal Solar Power Pack (1350 Mah) $14.99 UNIVERSAL SOLAR POWER PACK (1350 MAH)

Solar Tres Power Tower $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar Tres is a planned 15 MW power plant based on solar thermal energy. It is located west of the city of cija, in Andalusia, Spain. Solar Tres is based on the solar power tower concepts pioneered in the U.S.s Solar One and Solar Two demonstration projects. Solar Tres uses a molten salt as its working fluid, allowing it to be stored in the molten state for power generation at any time. The project, which has received a subsidy of five million Euro from the European Commission, makes use of the Solar Two technology tested in Barstow, California, but will be approximately three times the size. Solar Tres will make use of several advances in technology since Solar Two was designed and built. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 76 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.18 inches

A Solar Buyers Guide for the Home and Office By Hren, Stephen/ Hren, Rebecca $19.27 Explains solar power and other renewable energy sources, including selecting the right equipment, hiring the best people to install it, redeeming government incentives, and maintaining the system once it is installed. Author: Hren, Stephen/ Hren, Rebecca Subtitle: Navigating the Maze of Solar Options, Incentives, and Installers Publication Date: 2010/10/04 Number of Pages: 152 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 5.75 Height: 8.75

Solar Power in Spain $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Spain is one of the most attractive countries for the development of solar energy, as it has more available sunshine than any other European country. The Spanish government is committed to achieving a target of 12 percent of primary energy from renewable energy by 2010 with an installed solar generating capacity of 3000 megawatts. Spain is the fourth largest manufacturer in the world of solar power technology and exports 80 percent of this output to Germany. Spain added a record 2 GW of solar power in 2008. Total Solar power in Spain was 3 GW by end of 2009. Solar energy has covered 2.8 of the electricity demand in 2009. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 148 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches

The Complete Idiots Guide to Solar Power for Your Home By Ramsey, Dan/ Hughes, David $24.4 This third edition explains the basics of photovoltaic, or solar, power and provides information for those interested in solarpowering their homes, including what options are available and descriptions of whats involved during the installation process. Original. Author: Ramsey, Dan/ Hughes, David Series Title: Complete Idiots Guide to Publication Date: 2010/04/06 Number of Pages: 332 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 7.00 Height: 9.00

Ps20 Solar Power Tower $78.07 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Planta Solar 20 or PS20 solar power tower is a solar thermal energy plant in Sanlucar la Mayor near the southern Spanish city of Seville. It is the worlds most powerful solar power tower. The 20 megawatt solar power tower produces electricity with large movable mirrors called heliostats. Solar thermal energy (STE) is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). Solar thermal collectors are defined by the USA Energy Information Administration as low, medium, or hightemperature collectors. Low temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Mediumtemperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for creating hot water for residential and commercial use. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 108 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.25 inches

Teklink Security SM3803 Solar Power OutdoorIndoor Dummy Camera with LED $40.5 Go green with SecurityMan SM3803 inexpensive solar dummy camera. It can be used to increase security presence for your home or business. It features energy saving designed solar panel capable of charging rechargeable batteries and conserve/extend the battery life of standard batteries (2 x AAA requires battery not included). The builtin solar panel will recycle indoor lights of 100+ Lux as power source or it will use batteries power instead. Generally two AAA batteries could last up to three years instead of one year. Equipped with a flashing red LED light which enhances the presence of camera and security. Professional designed to purposely deter unwanted intruders and solicitors with just a fraction of a cost of a real security camera. Mix in with real cameras for more dynamic presence or use individually to increase security anywhere. Features and Specifications:. Weather resistant dummy camera with one flashing red LED. Energy efficient builtin solar panel or 2xAAA backup standard/rechargeable batteries (not included) when it is darker. Adjustable wallmount bracket. Looks like real security camera. Solar charges/conserves rechargeable/standard AAA batteries. Low power consumption of 0.04W. Camera dimensions: 160 (L) x 80 (W) x 74mm (H) (6.30 x 3.15 x 2.91 ). Weight: N.W. 301g; G.W. 389g. Includes:. 1 x Dummy camera with solar and LED. 1 x Mounting bracket and sun visor. 2 x Security sign stickers. Screws. Accessories.

Solar e Power $61.99 Solar e Power This unit recharges mobile electronics via sun. It also contains a built-in Li-ion battery which fully recharges in 5-8 hours via sun.

Ps10 Solar Power Tower $78.07 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Europes first commercial concentrating Planta Solar 10 or PS10 solar power tower operates near the Southern Spanish city of Seville. The 11 megawatt (MW) solar power tower produces electricity with 624 large movable mirrors called heliostats.The mirrors were delivered by Abengoa, the solar receiver was designed and built by TecnicalTecnicas Reunidas, a Spanish Engineering Company; and the Solar Tower was designed and built by ALTAC, another Spanish Engineering and Construction Company. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 112 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.27 inches

Garden Sun Light GSLU996 SOLAR POWER HOME EMERGENCY 10 LED 3 WATT XL KIT $136.8 SOLAR POWER HOME EMERGENCY 3 WATT XL KIT. . The flexibility and uses of this flashlight are impressive. This flashlight has so many benefits and the uses are more than we can list. It is solar powered lightweight at about 1 pound and versatile with changing heads. The 3 watt 120 lumen spot light head can shine up to 100 meters or 328 feet. The 40 lumen 10 led flexible 24 inch neck can be wrapped around poles for hands free operation and it also gets into tight spots that other flashlights don_Tt. The flexible tube light comes with a red lens filter for better night vision and a green lens filter for those that work with animals. This is one of the greenest environmentally friendly flashlights that we have seen since it is solar powered and made from recycled aluminum. This flashlight makes a great gift or tool for:Mechanics environmentally friendly conscious people Technicians gadget lovers Crafters and jewelry makers people who like to save money Outdoorsmen amp; women people who forget to buy batteries Anyone who needs to see in tight spots emergency storm kitsAnyone camping or going on safari and sooo much more. Ultimate 3 Watt Head:. Our most luminous attachment it projects up to 100 meters. 3 Watt (120 Lumen) Spotlight Head. 90 minutes of use with full charge. Ultra Bright High Performance LED will last 20 000 hours of use. Ultimate 10 LED Extra Long Flexible Tube Light:. The flexible tube light can easily get light into tight areas other flashlights cannot. It can also be wrapped around poles for hands free light use. 10 LED 40 Lumen flexible tube lighting. Red and green lens filters. 7 hours of use with full charg

Casio PAW2000-1 Men's Pathfinder World Time Alarm Solar Power Watch $380 This stylish Casio PAW2000-1 Pathfinder Men's watch comes with high quality resin strap with natural digital face. This great watch also comes with Multi-Band atomic timekeeping (US UK Germany Japan China) Digital compass Tough Solar power Tough Movement - Auto hand home position correction Altimeter Barometer Thermometer Sunrise/Sunset Data - Displays sunrise time and sunset time for a specific date Daylight pointers water resistant to 100 meters Low temperature resistant (-10 C / 14 F) Full auto EL backlight with afterglow Duplex LCD World Time - 31 times zones (48 cities) with city code display and daylight saving on/off 5 daily alarms Hourly time signal 1/100 second stopwatch Full Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099) Countdown timer 12/24 hour formats Button operation tone on/off Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month Storage Battery: Solar rechargeable battery Battery power indicator Power saving function Approx. battery life: 5 months on full

Solar Power in the European Union $89.22 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar power consists of photovoltaic and solar thermal power. The need for the strategic development of photovoltaic systems in the EU has led to the creation of PVNET, a network that gathers representatives from all the sectors of the research and development community concerned with the photovoltaic solar energy industry (see solar cell). The network promotes communication between speakers through the organisation of specialised conferences, workshops and congresses. This interaction has led to the editing of a waybill, finished in 2003 with the aim of providing a solid basis for EU leaders and European citizens to base their decisions and policy making and in order to help reach the objective set by the European Commission to multiply the use of photovoltaic systems by thirty times by 2010. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 140 Publication Date: 2010/05/19 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.32 inches

PowerPack+Plus Solar Package - 14W $461.94 PowerPack+Plus Solar Package - 14W PowerPack +Plus"no longer any need for electric power plug in"The PowerPack+Plus includes:14W PowerFilm Rollable Solar Panel12V DC Battery Pack12V LED Rechargeable Lantern12V Combination Fan/LED Light15' Extension CordIn addition, the battery pack can be utilized by any 12V compatible device, giving you more options using solar energy on your adventures!The ultimate self-contained solar and battery power system designed for all types of outdoor adventure and much, much more...How the PowerPack+Plus Works:The PowerFilm solar panel charges the battery pack, which powers the LED fan/light combination and other battery operated electric products. In addition, the solar panel can be used for other charging applications, like charging your car battery, RV camper and other 12V battery products. This truly is the ultimate for all outdoor adventures, such as camping, hiking, climbing or any outdoor experience.Use the PowerPack +Plus in remote areas typically lacking a power source such as cabins or caves, even at home for safety and power when the electricity goes out.The PowerPack +Plus is the ultimate power convenience-not only does it provide light and climate control, it gives you an auxiliary power source to charge your camper, car, RV, cellular phone, radios...just about any battery operated device.

Solar Power Satellite $52.65 In the quest for new and inexhaustible sources of energy, solar energy has become a promising contender. However, several factors prevent solar energy from falling freely into the Earths surface, leading to the concept of collecting solar energy in space and beaming the energy to receiving units on the ground. Studies to date have not identified any barriers with regard to technical feasibility, and discussions with a number of respected scientists were told there are no scientific breakthroughs required. Yet solar power satellites do represent very large engineering endeavor. There are serious technical, environmental, economic, and other issues which require technology verification for resolution. These 1979 Congressional hearings presented a wealth of information from technical societies, cognizant Federal agencies, environmental groups, and the originator of the concept. Author: U. S. House of Representatives Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 352 Publication Date: 2004/10/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.78 inches

Solar Power Tower $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The solar power tower (also known as Central Tower power plants or Heliostat power plants or power towers) is a type of solar furnace using a tower to receive the focused sunlight. It uses an array of flat, movable mirrors (called heliostats) to focus the suns rays upon a collector tower. Early designs used these focused rays to heat water, and used the resulting steam to power a turbine. However, designs using liquid sodium in place of water have been demonstrated; this is a metal with high heat capacity, which can be used to store the energy before using it to boil water to drive turbines. These designs allow power to be generated when the sun is not shining. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 76 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.18 inches

Rustic Home with Solar Panels and a Split Rail Fence $24.99 Rustic Home with Solar Panels and a Split Rail Fence - Photographic Print