Monday, February 3, 2014

5 Incredibly Creative Uses For Solar Panels

By Hedrick Lepsch


Water stains on your ceilings and walls are an indication of a leak somewhere in your home. If the stain is on your ceiling, it is likely that the leak is somewhere on your roof. Roof leaks can be difficult to find and take a measure of patience and dedication to locate.

On occasion more major repairs and installations may be made to significantly reduce your monthly costs and your 'carbon footprint'. While I have listed some of the more significant and simple changes, know that there are lots of innovative ways to save money and be more energy efficient in your home.

Finding the Leak

Conserving energy doesn't require that you make your life uncomfortable by freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. It simply requires that you be more conscious about the choices you make. Take time to turn off lights when you aren't using them and unplug your appliances if they are sitting unused.

The Solar Sinter not only powers itself with solar panels, it uses a special lens to focus the sun, which melts the sand that it then "prints" into a 3D object. 3D printers are one of the coolest new devices out there, but adding one that is entirely run off the sun's energy is taking it to a whole new level.

When the leak proves to be more difficult to locate, start by searching the areas where items protrude from your roof. It is rare for an uninterrupted, protected area to become damaged. More often the leak happens where vents, chimneys, and other items have been built through or fixed into your roof.

Look for holes in rubber seals, check the edges of your chimney and if all else fails, begin to remove shingles around the area where you think the leak may be. As you remove shingles, look for signs of mold or discoloration of any kind.

Major Changes

Once you have located the source of the leak you can fix it. It is recommended that you take immediate action before repairs become significantly more expensive. If you need to, consult a professional before beginning. As you go onto your roof, make sure you are aware of all the safety measures you should take, including wearing the proper clothes and shoes.

Next, take a look at your windows and doors. Replace them with energy star rated fixtures. Install solar film or shades on the windows if needed to help provide additional insulation from exterior temperatures. Make sure that your roof is repaired and fully insulated. Planting trees on the east and south sides of your home will provide shade and help keep your home more temperate in the winter and summer. When you're able, consider installing a solar mounting system to help offset your overall energy consumption.

The solar panels are actually in the leaves of the Solar Botanic Power Tree, which can supply enough energy to power a whole house. Not only does it use solar energy, it channels energy from wind and heat as well. The artificial trees would look pretty cool in your front yard, but just imagine a plug coming out of the tree and powering your car. Some of these inventions might seem outlandish, but they're the result of a little imaginative thinking combined with solar panels. Just about everything we use in our day to day lives has the potential to be powered by the sun's rays. Everybody is capable of transforming the way their home uses energy when they use a good solar mounting system and some forward thinking. Find out today how you, too, can harness the power of the sun.




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