Category Archives: Uncategorized

DIY Solar Panels for your home – save big

Have you been thinking about installing solar panels for your home, but been discouraged because the cost is too high? Gary Reysa “Here in Montana, my family and I saved 40 percent on the cost of a solar electric system by buying a kit and doing the installation ourselves”.

One notable feature of our solar power system is that it uses the relatively new micro-inverter technology. With this system, each photovoltaic (PV) panel has its own grid-tied inverter that is mounted right by the panel. This kind of system is easier for do-it-yourselfers to install, and has other advantages, such as less sensitivity to partial shading, power output optimization for each PV panel, and the flexibility to start small and grow the system as time and budget allow.

We decided to go with a grid-tied system, which is much more cost effective than an off-grid system. One advantage is that you don’t have to buy batteries, which are expensive and have to be replaced from time to time. You can also choose to install a smaller, less expensive system that generates just a portion of your electricity. On the downside, grid-tied systems provide no electricity when the power grid is down.

read more at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/solar-power/solar-panels-for-your-home-zm0z11zphe.aspx?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09.30.15%20MEN%20DIY%20eNews&utm_term=DIY%20eNews

disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Remaking your home office on a budget

The home office is no longer a luxury. You can find space for a study even in the tiniest of homes. Having a dedicated space for taking time out to shop online, pay the bills, work from home or even get on Facebook can be achieved on any budget. You don’t need an entire room dedicated to a study, you only need to get onto Pinterest to see the clever ways people are creating a home office in less than a metre of space.

No matter what you’re working with interior stylist explains how you can renovate your home office on any budget.

The key to any office space is storage. Installing adequate storage space in the form of bookcases or floating shelves allows you to find a home for all your paper and showcase decorative pieces.

Inspirational boards can keep you going for the long hours of work ahead. Using a peg or cork board is a great way to showcase all the art and ideas that have inspired you, but also as its own design feature in the room.

Read more and see video: http://www.domain.com.au/advice/renovating-your-home-office-on-a-budget-20150921-gjq1x4/

Thinking of getting solar? San Diego Home Solar Tour Oct 4th

solar tour

Looking to Go Solar?

The Center for Sustainable Energy and the US Green Building Council are hosting the 2015 San Diego Solar Homes Tour. The tour will feature three sites chosen by CSE which are home to a solar electric system, as well as other energy efficiency measures and/or electric vehicles.

The tour offers homeowners the opportunity to talk with fellow San Diego County residents and solar experts about the innovative solutions they are employing to:

  1. Reduce utility bills
  2. Fuel electric vehicles
  3. Recoup tax dollars via available tax credits
  4. Improve property values
  5. Create green jobs
  6. Gain energy independence

read more at: https://energycenter.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&ccse-menu=pv-homeowner&id=2286&utm_source=solartour&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=csi