Category: Clean Energy

The sun is considered to be the main source of life in the entire planet as it is a very potent fusion generator. The world requires increasing quantities of electric energy for the maintenance of human life. Solar is a form of free energy that is eco-friendly and is the ultimate way by which to preserve life on earth for the sake of posterity. This is because the use of solar energy significantly reduces the harmful emission of carbon dioxide as well as other harmful chemicals. Numerous research studies conducted by competent scientists indicate that it is only by embracing solar energy generation projects that the threat of global warming can be properly tackled.

Why trust 1 Solar Future

There are a good number of reasons as to why people should trust <ask us about putting your name here> for all their solar power needs, the main ones include the following:

Free quotes

It gives all their clients free quotes on solar power. This means that money/ profitability is not their core objective but instead the company is also very interested in satisfying all the solar power needs of their clients. Clients just need to contact their customer care executives and they are guaranteed to get free quotes on solar power.

Best solar company

1 Solar Future was the best solar companies in the Sacramento area in the year 2015. This is because they provide photovoltaic panels that contribute to 80% savings on the energy expenses each and every month. People who reside in areas that experience many hours of sunlight in a day stand to benefit the most from solar panels.

Interested individuals should strongly consider using the products and services offered by 1 Solar Future because of several reasons that include the following:

Extent – It fixes solar panels in homes located all over California i.e. Auburn, Grass Valley, Central Valley (Fresno, Merced, Stockton and Visalia), Northern California (Oakland, Marin County, Humboldt County, Plant Bay Area and San Francisco) and Southern California (San Diego, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Santa Monica).

Benefits

There are many benefits that individuals can enjoy by installing solar power panels in their homes and premises of business. There are very few companies such as 1 Solar Future that can be trusted to provide clients with solar products and installation services that guarantee them the full enjoyment of solar power benefits such as:

1. Solar power greatly decreases harmful emissions from the coal industry that functions to pollute the clean air present on the earth. When air is polluted this translates to respiratory diseases in human beings and other adverse effects on living things. Solar power is clean and works without the risk of such harmful emissions.
2. Solar power energy can greatly reduce the cost incurred in paying electricity bills. This can result in significant savings for home and business owners on a global scale. This is an idea that is readily welcomed in such tough economic times where every dime that is saved can go a long way. Long term savings on electricity bills can be diverted to other sustainable forms of development within the home or the business.
3. Most importantly, the installation of solar panels in both homes and business premises helps in conservation efforts for the environment. Clean energy is key for environmental conservation. This is because global warming is a real threat to the survival of the planet and is aggravated by harmful carbon emissions.
4. Solar power can also greatly reduce the current dependency that many countries have on foreign oil that is used in running machinery in the different industries. This can translate to the desired profitability and hence comfortable sustainability of the workforce.
5. Solar power is known to increase property value by a huge margin. It is a fact that realtors have severally investigated and confirmed to be true. This means that home owners or even businesses for that matter can benefit from investing in solar power as the value of their fixed asset can only appreciate afterwards. In monetary terms, solar power makes sense as an investment.

Conclusion

Clean renewable energy such as solar power is the future of this planet because of its lack of harmful side effects. Contact the customer care executives of 1 Solar Future today to get free quotes on solar power. Remember, solar power is a worthwhile investment that is guaranteed.

A hybrid vehicle can be defined as one that uses several means of propulsion but essentially it is more energy-efficient and better for the environment than traditional internal-combustion vehicles. Currently, this basically means combining a diesel engine or a normal engine with a motor that uses electric energy. In practice, hybrid vehicles have traditional fuel tanks and internal-combustion engines. In addition, they will have a battery starter pack and one or more electric motors.

Features of hybrids

The following are some common terms used when making reference to hybrid vehicles:

• Motor generator – This is a more precise term that is used to refer to the electric motor. It offers supplemental acceleration when it is operated as a motor via drawing electric energy from the battery. A number of hybrids have 2 while other models use even three.
• Stop-start – This is a feature that is present in each and every hybrid vehicle. The traditional starter motor for engines is absent as the motor-generator assumes that function as well. Normally, the software controls the hybrid feature shuts off the engine while the vehicle is at a standstill in traffic and the electric motor restarts automatically when the brake pedal is released by the driver.
• Regenerative braking – One essential function of the motor generator is to actively generate electricity that will be used to recharge battery. This is because it absorbs part of the momentum of a vehicle when coasting downhill or slowing. However, it is not sufficient to stop a vehicle quickly therefore still necessitating conventional hydraulic brakes.
• Electric drive – A hybrid vehicle can solely be operated on electric power if its system has adequate electrical capacity. The distance and maximum speed over which only electric-operation is sustainable varies from nil to several miles.
• Hybrid layouts – There are several hybrid layouts such as series hybrids, parallel hybrids, series-parallel hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
• Hybrid degrees – Degrees of hybrids basically classify hybrids according to their power. The degrees include mini hybrids, mild hybrids and strong hybrids.
• Battery – Hybrid vehicles use two types of batteries i.e. Nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are usually not sufficiently efficient and are also not compact enough for plug-in use. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and are also energy-dense.

Benefits of a hybrid vehicle

Hybrid vehicles have several benefits that consumers can enjoy. The notable advantages include the following:

• Environmentally friendly – Hybrid vehicles stand out from the ones that run on gasoline mainly because it operates in a cleaner manner and has gas mileage that is better. This is why it is considered to be environmentally friendly. Hybrid vehicles operate on twin engine i.e. electric motor and gasoline engine that reduce fuel consumption and also conserve energy.
• Financial benefits – Hybrid vehicles are usually supported by numerous incentives and credits that greatly contribute to their affordability. Exemption from congestion charges and decreased annual tax are enjoyed in terms of less money spent on fuel.
• Decreased dependence on fossil fuels – Since hybrid vehicles use less quantity of fuel to operate they generate fewer emissions and are also less dependent on fossil fuels. This reduces the price of gasoline.
• Regenerative braking system – Every time that the brakes are applied on hybrid vehicles, the vehicle automatically recharges the battery a little. The internal mechanism comes online so that it captures released energy and consequently uses it to charge the battery that will eliminate the need and time for halting to periodically recharge the battery.
• Higher resale value – Hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity by the day due to the ever increasing prices of gasoline. This has resulted in green vehicles commanding very high resale values.
• Built from light materials – They are normally manufactured from light materials to mean that less energy is required to operate it. Their engines are lighter and smaller facilitating energy savings.

2016 Toyota hybrid

Toyota is known to push the envelope of technology open a little bit each and every year. In the year 2016 it unveiled a RAV4 hybrid that is considered as being one of the best SUVs that are eco-friendly. This vehicle joins 7 other hybrids that constitute Toyota’s large line-up of vehicles that are green-themed. It has a new look and is targeting the small SUV market. The RAV4 hybrid model is available in both four-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive forms. The powertrain of this hybrid model is based on a 2.5-litre petrol engine that is larger.

This RAV4 hybrid model was an ambitious attempt by Toyota to pierce the green space and it turned out to be very successful. This vehicle is undoubtedly the most fuel-efficient one in its class. Similarly, it is considered to be the only all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle that is most fuel efficient.

The top-shelf Limited and the hybrid midgrade XLE are the 2 feature-packed vehicle models of the RAV4 hybrid. It strongly resembles the Lexus NX crossover and similarly borrows a lot from the NX300h.

Toyota is going greener with this RAV4 hybrid model as consumers will experience unbelievable savings with it. This is because they will be saving on fuel costs, saving the environment and even saving on the vehicle itself on purchase or leasing it.

Features

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a number of interesting features that are bound to pique the interest of any vehicle enthusiast. The features include the following:

• Powertrain – This vehicle uses a hybrid powertrain that is similar to that used by Lexus.
• Engine – The RAV4 hybrid uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with an impressive 154-horsepower that is connected to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System, eCVT transmission and an electric motor. This combination is responsible for the production of 194 horsepower at 5700 rpm.
• Emissions – It has CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
• Acceleration – This vehicle accelerates from 0 mph to 60 mph in just under 8.3 seconds. Its top speed is 112 mph.
• Fuel economy – It has a fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The combined rating is 33 mpg.
• Cargo – It provides 70.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
• Body – In terms of looks, the RAV4 hybrid strongly resembles the RAV4 that is gasoline powered. However, it has new rear and front fascias, new tailgate design and restyled rocker panels.
• Wheels – It has new 17-inch wheels.
• Battery – This green vehicle operates on a nickel-metal hydride battery pack together with a continuously variable transmission.
• Display – It has a 4.2-inch TFT information screen inside the gauge cluster of its interior, an extra USB as well as fresh new around-view monitor. There is a 7-inch touch screen on the center stack.

Conclusion

Individuals who are thinking of going green should look no further than the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It is more powerful, tech-savvy and efficient compared to its counterpart that is gas powered.

The recent announcement by British Gas increasing tariffs by 10% has sparked an outrage and concern given the diminishing wages. This action has re-emphasised the importance of considering renewable energy sources for domestic as well as industrial use. And the good news in all this is that the company is well equipped to offer you consultation and installation of renewable energy sources and even buy back the extra power you generate therefore lowering your energy net energy costs. To find out your tariff or claim your smart meter, contact British Gas customer services by ringing 0870 280 5465.

Alternative energy is that source that is alternative to using fossil fuel and are intended to address the issues like high costs, global warming caused by increased gas emissions and release of toxic waste into the environment. The human race after realizing its harmful effects on the environment began researching, developing and implementing alternative energy sources that are renewable and can be used for houses, cars, and factories. These sources grow with the human population, are efficient and safe. Geothermal, wind power, solar, nuclear are among the sustainable sources of renewable energy.

British Gas Seeks Alternatives To Fossil Fuels

Solar power

This is clean, renewable electricity created from sunlight or heat. This requires setting up a solar thermal or photovoltaic system on the roof. It is a free and inexhaustible source of energy that emits no greenhouse gasses and does not pollute the environment. Solar can wholly or partly meet your energy needs, in both cases substantially lowering your energy costs, so your monthly bill becomes manageable. It’s low maintenance and unobtrusive installation add value to your home.

Advantages

• Free source of energy
• Solar power generated during the day can be stored for night use
• Can be used in remote areas with no reach of conventional energy
• The generators are clean and quiet
• It is renewable and will not be depleted in the next thousands of years

Wind power

By using turbines, wind power can be converted into electricity. It is a source of clean energy that is renewable and free. When generating electricity, the wind turbines are relatively silent and do not pollute the environment in any way. It is affordable to install even for households as long as the location can sustain regular strong wind. It is among the best ways to generate energy without causing global warming as it produces no greenhouse gasses. The excess energy can then be bought back by the energy company if you are within a grid, this way you not only lower your energy cost but can make a profit.

Advantages

• It is generated freely to subsidize your energy needs
• It is a clean energy source
• Wind power is renewable

Micro hydro systems

In areas with a continuous flow of water micro hydro systems can be installed to generate a substantial amount of energy for commercial or domestic use. The turbines convert motion from flowing water into electricity. The amount of water and turbine size will determine the quantity of electricity produced. These micro hydro systems are usually stand alone systems for use in remote areas with no regular grids but have continuous water flow. This cheap, renewable and non-polluting energy source can be implemented if you have a farm operation requiring a lot of energy and also have enough flowing water.

Hybrid systems

With hybrid systems, you combine several renewable energy sources into one system for your consumption and possible sale of the surplus energy to the power company. People commonly combine solar and wind generators. The complete system can incorporate these two sources, batteries and power inverters to form a fully functional electricity generation system that is ready for use. When your batteries are low, the conventional power supply automatically cuts in till when your batteries will recharge. British Gas can help you find the right mix for maximum reliance on your generated energy, therefore, saving on energy bills.

Biomass energy

Energy can be produced from animal and human waste including municipal solid waste, agricultural yields and by-products from timber. This is the only source of energy that utilizes waste material therefore profitably disposing of them efficiently. The product, biogas, can be used in many ways, for example, heating, lighting and even in generating electricity therefore drastically lowering your energy costs.
Advantages

• Very environmentally friendly and helps in recycling biological waste products
• It is renewable and does not harm the environment like the expensive fossil fuel
• It is a cheap source of energy once the digester is installed and commissioned

Tidal Power

Since oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface, the tidal waves resulting from gravity and the pull of the moon it can be used to generate renewable energy. By understanding and positioning for the changes in the moon position, this can be used to produce power. Industry can have their generators installed for their use and even sell off the surplus for additional revenue.

Advantages

• Once installed, the energy source is free
• It is a renewable source of energy that will not be depleted
• Tidal power is clean and does no harm to the environment

Challenges British Gas faces implementing alternative energy sources

Most of these renewable energy sources are still under research on how to optimally capture the energy through them. Many have installed smaller power generation systems at home and in industries, however, large scale production is still a challenge. Most of these require large spaces to operate for example solar panels, and wind power requires large tracts of land for large-scale energy production. The only alternative that does not need a large space is hydroelectric since it needs just a stronger current for higher production.
Many countries and particularly individuals are not yet ready to change to renewable energy particularly as it is capital intensive to install most of these and make them operational. It also involves a lot of work decommissioning the conventional sources of energy to establish the new infrastructure.

The importance of using alternative energy sources

The best way to counter the rising energy cost or domestic as well as industrial consumers is to install free renewable energy sources even if it is to be done in phases. It is a clean source of energy that does not pollute the environment or cause global warming. If many consumers at least subsidize their use of conventional energy sources, the global warming problem will be solved in some years.
British Gas has and continues to assist their customers in transitioning from the traditional energy sources that are too expensive to renewable and free sources. Small scale production is very possible and is sustainable with very little maintenance required once the system is installed.

With our Earth’s resources dwindling, there is a need for us to make a conscious effort to ensure that we do not run out any time soon. This is something we should do not only for this generation but for the next generations to come.

It’s a good thing that a lot more people are taking notice of the massive effects global warming and other disasters are constantly plaguing us.

But then again, we need energy to run everything that we have today. It is simply not feasible to ask everyone to stop using the technology that has been made available to us over the last couple of decades.

So, a compromise has to be drawn somewhere.

And in this case, finding alternative sources of energy seems to be the best answer for now.

Elon Musk, is probably the most well known progenitor of this movement with his company at the forefront of the advancements made to create technology that harnesses energy from our surroundings eschewing the need for fossil fuels.

So, let’s look at some Alternative energy sources where we can derive clean energy from.

The most obvious one is simply to harness the power of the sun. We have a galactic sphere above us constantly providing heat and light without any signs of running out any time soon so why not use that right?

It’s a good thing that solar panels are continuing to go down in price giving more people access to this technology for use in their own home.

Next: harnessing the wind’s power. We’ve already had this type of technology for a long time, so now is a good time to finally use it. Wind mills are already being used in a lot of countries but there are also smaller wind turbines that can be found in rural areas used to generate electricity or to carry out simple operations. The only downside to this is it is not that good of a source of energy in areas where there is barely any wind to speak of. Still, this is a good source of clean energy that you should definitely look into if you happen to live in an area that has a lot of

Harnessing tidal power basically works in the same manner as that of a windmill except it uses the force of water current to make the turbines spin. There is another type of tidal power harnessing machine that uses the up and down movement of the waves to push gears within and create kinetic and electric power for

Lastly, there’s the use of kinetic power by placing kinetic plates for people to step on, ride on or simply provide minimal impact to generate energy. This is a rather new type of technology but it is already in use in several countries and placed on roads where there is a lot of foot traffic. There’s no need for active engagement. You simply need to walk over it without applying excessive force or just by walking normally and it will collect the kinetic energy derived from each footstep.

So, as you can see, it is possible to harness energy from our environment through a variety of means. This knowledge should hopefully make more people more conscious about their energy consumption and be more aware of the fact that we don’t really need to depend on fossil fuels as our only source of energy.

Hopefully, in the future, more brilliant minds will come up with great solutions to our energy problem and create more innovations to help us full harness all the energy in the world without harming it.