Harvesting Ground Heat Through Geothermal Heating Technology

Just below our feet lies an energy source that can easily help us warm both our homes and hot water tanks. This energy source is known as thermal energy and can be harvested using specifically designed geothermal heating technology. This article will give you a better idea of how this natural energy source has come into existence and how geothermal heating systems actually harvest this energy.

But how does this energy under the earths surface occur? Thermal energy is caused by a number of contributors. For example, heat radiates out from the earths core and warms the ground. The earth also absorbs energy from the heat of the sun. The strength of this heat energy trapped beneath the surface of the ground will of course depend where you are in the world. It does not really matter where you are in the world though as geothermal heating technologies are able to extract heat from the ground however weak that heat is.

The concept of harvesting heat energy that is present beneath our feet is far from new. In the Roman Empire water heated naturally underground by geothermal energy was put to use to keep their spas hot. In effect this was the start of basic geothermal heating systems. This harvesting of naturally occurring geothermally heated hot water is still used today in some parts of the world. Iceland, for example, makes full use of this naturally occurring energy source using geothermal power plants.

Geothermal heating systems such as the Ground Source heat pump are now used across the world with much success. As the name suggests the Ground Source heat pump collects heat from the beneath the ground and literally pumps this heat around a home or property. Ground source heat pumps use a series of pipes that are laid underneath the surface of the ground. The loop of pipes are filled with a solution has properties to absorb geothermal heat energy directly from the ground. The solution is pumped through the loop of pipes, and gathers heat as it travels. The solution eventually passes through the heat pumps the heat exchanger part of the system where the heat is extracted and refined. This harvested heat is then used to directly warm living spaces and heat hot water tanks.

Geothermal heating systems are forecast to become even more popular with households across the globe. In general many people want to become more environmentally friendly and do their bit to help save the planet. Most people are also becoming increasingly frustrated at the incredibly high prices they are paying for fossil fuels such as gas and coal. Alternative ways to heat homes that are eco-friendly and cheaper to run, such as Ground Source heat pumps and other geothermal heating technology, are the ideal answer.

Would you like to discover more about geothermal heating technology and the benefits of investing in a heat pump system for your home? A good starting point is to visit one of the companies that specialized in geothermal heating and renewable heating systems. One reputable and well established company is called EcoVision. You can easily find their website. EcoVision specializes in all types of environmentally friendly technologies, including geothermal heating. The EcoVision website is probably the best next step for you to discover more information.

About the Author
Rich Stevens writes articles for EcoVision. Discover more information about Heat Pump technology and how Heat Pumps work on the EcoVision website.

A Peak Inside The Bloom Box By Bloom Energy

Bloomenergy.com

"In the world of energy, the Holy Grail is a power source that's inexpensive and clean, with no emissions. Well over 100 start-ups in Silicon Valley are working on it, and one of them, Bloom Energy, is about to make public its invention: a little power plant-in-a-box they want to put literally in your backyard."

Tiny House Design Video - 8x20 Solar House

ODL Solar Powered Dimmer For Tubular Skylights

With the new Solar Powered Dimmer from ODL, homeowners can save more than 30 percent on energy bills. ODL ENERGY STAR-qualified Tubular Skylights, now with the Solar Powered Dimmer, are perfect for any room in the home where light is limited. Tubular skylights admit natural light into a room without causing “hot spots,” which are typically formed by traditional roof skylights. The Solar Powered Dimmer allows homeowners control over the amount of light entering through their tubular skylight. The ENERGY STAR Tubular Skylight also features the patented Solar Lens Dome, which gathers sunlight even during low-light hours in the morning, late afternoon, or during the winter, to maximize light into the tube. Additionally, the “two-piece” kit makes installation a snap.

More info:
ODL Solar Powered Dimmer for Tubular Skylights

Living The Green Energy Home Dream

With all the advances in green energy technology, it is easier than ever to start converting your home into a green energy home. A green energy home utilizes renewable resources to provide electricity, hot water, heat and peace of mind.

There are several ways to implement your green energy home plan. The first is solar energy. In a green energy home you can install solar hot water panels which heat and store water for use and you can install solar panels, which use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. These systems can be pricing if purchasing them and having them installed by a professional, but there are many great resources available to build your own solar panels and solar hot water systems that can reduce the cost greatly.

If you are just building your home, a great way to make it a green energy home is to implement passive solar design during construction. This means taking advantage of south facing sides of the house for heating and cooling. By installing lots of highly efficient windows and heat retaining bricks and stone on your south facing areas, you are taking advantage of passive solar techniques to develop your green energy home.

Another addition to the green energy home would be a windmill. Windmills are used to generate electricity from the renewable resource wind. Windmills can be installed on rooftops or in yards and offer pollution free electric. Windmills can be purchased from retailers or there are a wide variety of affordable kits available for the motivated do-it-yourselfers to handle the implementation of their own green energy home plans.

If you have a stream on your property, you may also add to the efficiency of your green energy home with hydroelectric power. This is also a great pollution free option that is easy to maintain and works as long as there is water available.

The ultimate green energy home would combine all of these resources. By using wind, water and solar to generate electricity you are looking not only at huge savings and possible profits from your electricity usage, but you would truly be green as each of these options contributes little to global warming. To further combine passive solar design and solar hot water systems, you are reducing your energy needs exponentially and truly living the dream of going green.

A green energy home doesn't require more maintenance than traditional homes. Solar technologies require little to no maintenance and wind and water turbines require only regular oiling for peak performance. There is no better time to create your green energy home and start living your dreams in green.

About the Author:
Susmanto Hadi is independent author and writing some books. Search Your Finance and Car to Shopping and Travel Around The World With Computer on Hand.Start here: http://www.ebookworldgateway.com/ and Stop Global Warming-Use Renewable Energy is here: http://www.digitallylearning.com

Building A Residential Solar Power System? Know Your History

One of the reasons that people sometimes hesitate to install a residential solar power system is that they're under the mistaken impression that solar power is not going to last. They may think that it's just some kind of modern fad, and that solar power has a good chance of going out of style in the near future. But in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Solar power is actually one of the few sources of power that is permanent. It goes back to the beginning of human history, and it will stay with us for as long as civilization exists.

In other words, next to solar power, the fossil fuels that we currently rely on are fleeting things. Against the backdrop of history, they'll be swept away before we know it. That's why, if you're thinking of building a residential solar power system, you're taking part in a long tradition, and you're making a statement about the importance of energy that is permanently sustainable.

Ancient Origins of Solar Energy

If you think about it, solar energy is what powers the Earth. It's what makes life possible; it feeds our whether patterns, it makes our crops grow; and it evaporates or melts the water that feeds our rivers. So, even before humans came about, the sun was doing it's work.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to consciously harness the power of the sun for light and heat. They invented the practice of building architecture specifically designed to harness the sun to create light and to heat the rooms inside of a building. This helped reduce the need for heat created through wood burning. It may not be the same as a modern residential solar power system, but it is a beginning.

Solar Power in Modern Times

The first modern versions of solar power were created in the late 1800s, when a few inventers pioneered the early versions of the systems that we use today. Although some working solar power collectors were created in England, France, and the U.S., all were too expensive to operate in the long-term, and plans for widespread use of solar power were abandoned.

The fact is that functional modern solar power depends upon the types of scientific advancements that weren't made until the early to mid 1900s. For example, Einstein's discovery of the photoelectric effect is directly applied in every modern residential solar power system.

But even when the science was there, for a long time, there was still no economic need for the development of efficient solar power systems. For much of the 20th century, we were just fine with our fossil fuel options. However, beginning in the 1970s, oil prices began to fluctuate wildly. Given the volatility of the international oil market, it was only natural that people would start looking into alternatives.

Finally, now that we have a better grasp of fossil fuels' negative effects on the environment, alternative sources of energy are beginning to make their way into the mainstream. In fact, in a few more years, a residential solar power system will no longer be considered "alternative" at all.

About the Author:
Rodney Strange is a environmentalist, writer, and contributing editor of the solar power system for home blog. To read all about solar systems for your home visit http://solarpowersystemforhome.com

Building A Solar Powered Home - Critical Factors To Consider

When you are considering building a solar powered home, you will be joining a legion of home owners who have decided to go green. A solar powered home takes its energy requirements entirely from a renewable energy source - the sun. You will not be locking into the local power grid. Which means you won't be saddled with high energy costs at the end of the month since solar energy is essentially free.

However, despite these advantages, there are still many people who are prevented from using solar energy in their home because of what they perceive to be the potentially high cost of installing solar panels. You can build a house that runs on solar energy pretty cost effectively. Here are a few factors to consider that will be a low cost way of building a solar powered home.

1. Getting the right materials
One of the best ways to cut down the cost of building your proposed 'green' home is to locate the right materials for the right cost. Get on over to your local hardware store and look for the materials that will turn your home into a solar powerhouse. Ask the store clerk if they sell any copper flashing. You'll need these to build low cost solar panels. Once you get the copper flashing, you will have to heat it for more than 30 minutes. This will oxidize the copper flashing. Next, place the two oxidized panels together with copper flashing that's not been treated. Then pour a solution of salt water on the copper flashing and enclose the materials in a glass panel that's sturdy. This is the solar panel prototype that you will use.

2. Place your panels in sunlight
The next thing you've got to do is place your panels in sunlight. The more sunlight hits your panels the better will be the energy that you get. Hence building a solar powered home largely depends on the location of the solar panels. You should ideally install the solar panels on the roof of your home. Fix the wiring as well so that you can get electricity to the appliances in your home.

You should contact a custom home builder to identify all the important factors when you want to go solar. When you hire a home design consultant that's well versed in sustainable home building, you will be building a solar powered home cost efficiently.

About the Author:
Janet J Strauss is a full time internet marketer. She has written a number of excellent articles on internet marketing topics for many popular websites. Her passion to help others, and to share knowledge has been the main reason for her presence in internet.

Green Building - Getting The Services Of A Green Architect And Contractor

For those who are planning to build a new house or do some major home remodeling, why not do such tasks the eco-friendly way?. The concepts of green building have taken a major foothold in the home building and construction industry.

Based on US Census figures, it was estimated that more than 1.3 million new homes were built in the United States in 2002, and remodelling and home improvement spending in 1996 amounted to $119 billion. Remodeling or constructing your home gives you a chance to help transform the marketplace towards a sustainability and environment-friendly one, and create living space that's better for you and the environment.

Homes Have A Major Effect On The Environment

It's a fact that homes affect the planet, from the use and depletion of natural resource, human health, to overall ecological integrity. Aside from basic health and safety measures mentioned in the building code, there's no requirement to minimize these impacts. A new home construction or remodel would serve an opportunity in creating a symbolic and physical representation of your commitment to caring for the planet, health, and in a vital and engaged community.

Why It Pays To Find Architects Or Contractors Who Espouse Green Building Concepts

One you try looking for eco-friendly home building concepts and practices, you'll be surprised to quickly find one once you tap into the local design community, that there are a number of firms that have gained stellar reputations for going green.

Upon closer observation, you'll notice that within the general category of green, each firm or architect will have its strong points, as some focus on healthy building, while other concentrate on energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, and some apply their expertise on green materials, natural building techniques, or building modular homes. Look for a professional contractor that has extensive applied experience in building green, and will gladly apply these elements to your home project.

Choosing Green Architects And Home Contractors

Check Out Their Previous Record For Demonstrated Experience

First, do a thorough background check on an architect or contractor's experience with green building. Find out if he or she can point to specific projects in their portfolio, and provide references as well. Aside from ensuring that the architect or contractor is licensed and bonded, ask if he or she is a member of green design organizations or has participated in any programs, and if the contractor follows construction practices that minimize pollution and protects indoor air quality and enhance worker health and safety as well.

Ensure That A Contractor Practices What He Or She Professes

Aska prospective home contractor or architect how he or she operates their business; like does he recycle in the office as well as on the job site? Find out if the green design elements evident,such as environmentally responsible materials and office supplies, energy efficient lighting, fixtures.

Check If Green Concepts Are Incorporated Into the Contract Details

Architects have standard specifications that lays out the orders for everyone involved in building the house, down to how the paint is applied and what quality of materials are chosen for the cabinets. These specifications are generally customized by each company, and further modified for each project. These specs are a powerful tool in green building, while at the same time, are a legal document, and can be tedious to review sometimes. Ask an architect or contractor to give you an overview of the specifications for your project, and ensure that they cover all these.

http://realestatepr.org - Real Estate PR

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor

Ideas For Achieving Energy Efficient Homes

With all costs on the rise, adding up to the already huge problem with the New York housing crunch and worldwide economic woes; more and more people are searching of ways to cutback on costs. In our homes, one of the largest shares where our hard-earned budget goes to is the energy bill, thus making the efficient use of energy a great way to reduce monthly expenses. With that said, let us look into superb ideas to achieve energy efficient homes which are practical whether you are in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan or Queens.

Energy Efficient Homes Idea #1:

Proper and Enough Insulation and Sealing

Other than maximized indoor comfort and increased home value, proper and enough insulation and sealing also makes your HVAC systems work less hard thus resulting to less operation costs and lower energy bills. Unknown to many homeowners, a well-insulated home extends beyond just the exterior walls and the attic. You should also ensure insulation in these areas: floors, ceilings especially those below unheated areas, basement walls, kneewalls, overhangs, and between interior walls.

Air leaks are silent predators that waste much energy even if you own a set of state-of-the-art energy efficient systems. Sealing should be approached in such as way that the whole house is benefited starting from the systems alone with its series of ducts and pipings to the walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, electrical outlets, and lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Energy Efficient Homes Idea #2:

Lighting

Saving energy with lighting can be done in many ways.

• Replace existing lighting fixtures with efficient models that give off as much brilliance but uses up less electricity like compact fluorescent bulbs, reflector lamps and tungsten halogen.
• Make use of lighting controls such as dimmers and other devices that reduce the time that lights are on unnecessarily.
• Make full use of natural lighting.

Energy Efficient Homes Idea #3:

Solar Panels

When thinking of energy-efficiency, nothing beats making full use of natural resources as not only are they powerful, they are free as well. One of the most popular innovations in natural resource-use is solar panels. Solar panels can come as solar thermal collectors with which the energy from the sun is used to heat water or liquid fuels, or solar photovoltaic modules that convert sunlight into electricity.

Energy Efficient Homes Idea #4:

Appliances

A good percentage of energy consumption in homes results from operating appliances. When shopping for appliances, it would be wise to pick those with the Energy Star label. Though the initial cost would be much higher, think about the long-term benefits. When computing the ‘real’ cost, you should also take operating costs and annual energy consumption into consideration. Looking into such factor proves that energy-efficient appliances are wise investments.

Energy Efficient Homes Idea #5:

Proper Maintenance of Appliances and Home Systems

Without regular cleaning and proper maintenance, appliances and HVAC systems would be working laboriously. This added strain would not only lead to damages but more consumption of energy as well. So, check your manuals for recommended ways of cleaning and proper equipment maintenance.

About the Author:
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened remodeling contractors New York.

Visit us for more on Remodeling Long Island.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Ideas for Achieving Energy Efficient Homes

The Natural House - Pilot

"The Natural House, is a thirty minute home tour, building and ‘workshop’ series that illustrates how homeowners incorporate innovative architectural design, natural building materials, and flexible construction techniques to create uniquely livable homes that reflect principles of harmony, economy, self-reliance, health and ecological balance. Each of the first thirteen episodes – and twenty six homes – will introduce viewers to unique houses and homeowners, forward looking builders, and visionary designers who have created sustainable homes utilizing the latest innovative sustainable and green technologies. In addition, each program in the series will include two on The Natural House pilot has been produced and directed by Ed Eberle."

Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Slash Your Home Energy Costs Without Adding A Single Watt of Extra Energy Or Compromising Your Lifestyle.

It is becoming a popular craze these days to generate your own energy to cut your power bills.

Solar, wind, and other sources can supplement your energy supply in whole or in part. But, wouldn't it be great if you were able to do something that would allow you to get the same amount of benefit for a fraction of thecost or time required to install these other energy sources?

Of course you would! For example, it may cost you $10,000 for a certain amount of solar equipment to give you a certain amount of benefit. But what if you were able to get the same benefit for $1000?

How? This is the question that many people are asking because everyone is programmed to believe that turning down the thermostat so that you freeze in your own home and throwing a thin little bit of insulation around your water heater are the smart things to do!

Most people are also becoming programmed to believe that making your own electricity at home is also the answer. But I'm not interested in anything that takes a lot of time, money or effort.

If you want to know what the power companies, the green builders, and other so-called green thinkers aren't telling you wouldn't that be worth a few minutes of your time to find out?

Check it out here:
Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Join the growing number of people who are Saving on Home Energy costs right now.

Sincerely,
Peter Lindemann

© Peter Lindemann - All Rights reserved

Peter Lindemann has been educating thousands of people over the years in various renewable energy technologies and sciences. He also has the #1 searched website on Free Energy in the world.

Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Build Your Own Pool Solar Panels

Pool solar panels as main heating systems allow one to save money considerably, not to mention that the contribution to the reduction of toxic emissions is not to be overlooked. In terms of solar applications, pool heating has proved highly successful, particularly since the systems are considered both very simple and affordable at the same time. Pool solar panels require the use of unglazed plastic collectors, given the fact that the pool itself functions as the main thermal storage recipient. Under the action of the pump that controls the water filtration circuit, the water in the pool will actually be sent in the solar collectors.

We can consider pool solar panels and light energy as another type of fuel and it actually behaves as such; the result is that it will bring the water temperature at a level that is comfortable for swimming. Through the diversion of the water through the numerous tiny passages in the solar energy collector, water is automatically heated. The warm water is sent back into the pool by the filtration pump until all the volume has reached a certain temperature level. When the heating process is over, water is not longer passed through the solar collectors but sent directly back into he pool.

Despite a very widely spread opinion that the pool solar panels have to face south, manufacturers point out that this is not a must-follow rule. The only condition for the proper functioning of the system is that the pool solar panels be exposed to the sun light as much as possible throughout the day. The inclination angle in a certain direction is very often influenced by the type of mounting used for the installation of the system. A heated pool is a great idea no matter the climate particularly since many home owners would like to take a swim early in the morning. After a chilly night for instance, the water in the pool will be too cold for a comfortable swim.

Do not buy very expensive equipment that doesn't influence the efficiency of the pool solar panels. This is the case with highly insulated housings used for advanced water heaters; such items do not increase the working rate of the pool solar panels, and often prove a waste. Before purchasing the system make sure you learn everything you need to know on the winterizing procedure. Other than that, pool solar panels do not require any special maintenance efforts, and are therefore very easy to work with.

About the Author:

Want to learn about pool solar panels? Visit our website: A Beginner's Guide To Solar Panels

Best 5 Renewable Energy Innovations

To develop environmental friendly methods in generating power is a brilliant renewable energy innovation from a renewable energy company. Producing renewable energy powered generators for unfaltering energy supply and cut down the cost of energy utilization. Harnessing renewable energy resources for a clean energy supports the environment as well as the future.

Here are five of the best renewable energy innovations.

First thing that come in mind when renewable energy is mentioned would be the solar panels. They come in all sizes to fit the needs of every household. When it first came out solar panels are so tiny it can only power a calculator. There are two types of solar panels, first is the solar thermal collector that heats waters for consumption or homes. A solar thermal collector is basically made of an insulator box and a black metal absorber. Natural convection takes place with solar thermal panels and is widely used in sunny European countries to cut down water heating costs. The other is the photovoltaic panel. These are solar panels that are made of wafer based crystalline silicone cells or a thin- film based on cadmium telluride or silicone. It converts light energy, thus the name photovoltaic, into energy by photovoltaic effect. Solar panel reduces carbon emission in the atmosphere promoting cleaner energy.

Second is the windmill. Water as a renewable energy resource has been known to man since the late 600 AD. Windmills are used to grind up produce and draw water up water. Modern wind mills or properly known as wind turbines makes use of the wind to produce electricity. Wind turbines convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy then into electricity. There are two types of wind turbines, namely the horizontal axis wind turbine and the vertical axis wind turbine. Between the two, the horizontal axis wind turbine is more common than the other. Everybody can recognize a tall tower with horizontal axis blades are called wind turbines.

Third is a biomass powered generator. Who knew that there's a Do It Yourself version of this contraption. Now left over food and animal litter has more usage other than fertilizers. On a larger scale, Biomass, being the most abundant of all can generate powers providing large farmlands and forests. A renewable energy company that utilizes biomass normally makes use of the biomass steam cycle to generate electricity. Other ways of utilizing biomass is by extracting biomass fuel from decaying materials.

Fourth is making use of tidal power. Tidal steam generators produce incredible amounts of energy due to the high density of water flowing from the ocean. Geographically speaking, this type of renewable energy is only available to countries that have access to the sea or coastal areas. It is considered as one of the best long term renewable energy resources in the world. Using tidal turbines rather than coals to run heavy machineries can reduce the output of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Last would be nuclear powered generators. Although it is highly debatable, nuclear power is an abundant resource for us to utilize. It can generate power twice as much as fuel and other resources combined. The downside of this would be that there are much health risks involved in putting up a nuclear power plant.

About the Author:
Shirlyn Dee is a co-owner of Keen Partnerships, a pioneer renewable energy marketing company. Keen Partnerships acknowledge the fact that the renewable energy company startups need due exposure, and has the resources and manpower to give quality Internet marketing services for renewable energy players.

She has successfully deployed sites, and has been in the "Internet Marketing" industry for 4 years now. Now her expertise is mostly focused in deploying sites for Keen Partnerships clients, whose businesses are often in the renewability and sustainability field.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Best 5 Renewable Energy Innovations

Earthship Homes And Sustainable Development

"An Earthship is a type of passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials. The homes are primarily constructed to work autonomously and are generally made of earth-filled tires, utilising thermal mass construction to naturally regulate indoor temperature. They also usually have their own special natural ventilation system. Earthships are generally Off-the-grid homes,minimizing their reliance on public utilities and fossil fuels.

Earthships are built to utilize the available local resources, especially energy from the sun. For example, windows on the sunny side admit light and heat, and the buildings are often horseshoe-shaped to maximize natural light and solar-gain during winter months. Likewise, the thick, dense outer walls provide effective insulation against summer heat.

Internal, non-load-bearing walls are often made of a honeycomb of recycled cans joined by concrete and are referred to as tin can walls. These walls are usually thickly plastered with stucco.

The roof of an Earthship is heavily insulated - often with earth or adobe - for added energy efficiency."

- Source

Earthships Books
Earthship: How to Build Your Own - Volumes 1-3