States like Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas don't use more Solar Energy even when its sunny most of the year. Why are these states not banking upon such a great and free resource is the most logical question at this moment.
As for anything, a major role played here is that of economics. Solar Energy set up involves just too much costs for the landlords who prefer to buy the conventional stuff at a much cheaper rate. Also, Arizona and Texas are among the poorest states in the US which means that set up cost means a lot.
Other than just the cost, one of Texas largest industries is oil. So, more emphasis is obviously on oil than on Solar energy. Irrespective of the fact that Solar Energy my be a better cleaner way to produce electricity. The first initiative has to be from the citizens' side wherein we as honest and sincere citizens have to find out our own ways of cutting down on the fossil fuel energy resources. Until that is done, solar energy have been and shall remain unused. Government, obviously, plays an important role and that is not to be mentioned. However an initiative from the citizen only can make a government do what is best in the long term benefit of the nation. It is only by government that "green companies" can actually flourish and a mass implementation of green tactics is possible.
Green energies like solar, wind, and geothermal will always be small because they are not well represented in politics. The Obama government, however, has certain initiatives laid out and we hope that they are well followed and would really like to see them succeed.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Energy Efficiency for Big Windows
If you are living in an old house with big windows, energy efficiency could be a problem. Especially during Texan summers they could really trap heat and eat up most of your air conditioning. So what is the best solution that you have apart from replacing these windows with new ones which is least viable and especially when you do not want to do away with the antique air of your house.
The first solution that would strike the mind is to that the windows are properly sealed. For this, you may use external shutters or heavy "night curtains" at peak sun times during the day. The same shutters could be used in the winters to trap the heat. But considering that you do not want to block the light coming through these windows and also installing such shutter may be a bit of expensive, this solution may not really fix your problem.
Another alternative could be to caulk the inside and outside mouldings. There are several companies that sell a clear plastic that goes inside of your entire window and seals it off to all drafts and some of the heat. But again may be you are looking for a much cheaper alternative and not a consultation from a company.
From the home made stuff and a much cheaper idea would be to use plastic. Try using a simple frame the same size as the window so that it would fit the window from the inside. You could then cover this frame with plastic. This way you could even take it or remove it whenever you wish. Apparantly this will be the cheapest alternative for you and worth trying.
Covering your window with a sheet of clear vinyl is another good idea.
The first solution that would strike the mind is to that the windows are properly sealed. For this, you may use external shutters or heavy "night curtains" at peak sun times during the day. The same shutters could be used in the winters to trap the heat. But considering that you do not want to block the light coming through these windows and also installing such shutter may be a bit of expensive, this solution may not really fix your problem.
Another alternative could be to caulk the inside and outside mouldings. There are several companies that sell a clear plastic that goes inside of your entire window and seals it off to all drafts and some of the heat. But again may be you are looking for a much cheaper alternative and not a consultation from a company.
From the home made stuff and a much cheaper idea would be to use plastic. Try using a simple frame the same size as the window so that it would fit the window from the inside. You could then cover this frame with plastic. This way you could even take it or remove it whenever you wish. Apparantly this will be the cheapest alternative for you and worth trying.
Covering your window with a sheet of clear vinyl is another good idea.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Most Common Alternative Energy Source in Texas
There are more than 2 energy sources in Texas as per common perception. Most people would generally believe that Natural Gas and Coal are the only energy sources. Some smart people may however add Wind and Nuclear Energy too. However there are more energy sources in Texas than these four. As far as I could research, I was able to get the data for 2006. Here are some details:
* Natural Gas: 49.0%
* Coal: 36.5%
* Nuclear: 10.3%
* All Other Renewable Energy Sources: 2.0% (like biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action and tidal action.)
* Other Gases: 1.2% (manufactured gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas and refinery gas.)
* Petroleum: 0.4%
* Hydroelectric: 0.2%
Hydroelectric is supposed to be the cheapest of all and proves to be mor efficient and green than anything else.
* Natural Gas: 49.0%
* Coal: 36.5%
* Nuclear: 10.3%
* All Other Renewable Energy Sources: 2.0% (like biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action and tidal action.)
* Other Gases: 1.2% (manufactured gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas and refinery gas.)
* Petroleum: 0.4%
* Hydroelectric: 0.2%
Hydroelectric is supposed to be the cheapest of all and proves to be mor efficient and green than anything else.
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