Saturday, December 26, 2015

Why Wastewater Management Is So Important?

By Jonny Blair


Being among the most important resources in the world, fresh water is essential for every living creature including people. The biggest problem is that only 3 percents of the water is fresh and not all of this fresh water is usable, as one part of it is locked in the glaciers and ice caps and the other part is located in remote areas where people cannot use it. Actually, this means that we can use only 0.08 percent of the water to meet our daily needs. Can you imagine the mankind to use just 0.08 percent for drinking, manufacturing, environment, leisure, sanitation, etc?

A recent study conducted in 2007 revealed that over 1.2 billion people around the world suffer from the water scarcity, and they do not have access to water enough to meet their daily needs. Another 1.6 billion of people suffer economically from the water scarcity, i.e. their local authorities cannot satisfy the rising water demand in these areas due to the insufficient investments or lack of human capacity.

Since half part of the world population is concentrated in the cities and urban centers, the natural water sources located around the cities are polluted by industrial and urban wastewater. The cities should develop systems for treating the wastewater; otherwise, there could be a risk for people's health related to the use of wastewater, containing different pollutants, such as heavy metals, pathogens, etc.

Because of the limited quantity of the fresh water, people have directed their efforts at water management and optimization of its use. In many areas, water comes in the form of harvested rainwater, so people should learn how to manage it efficiently. The rainwater is usually collected in barrels to be used in those periods when there is little or no rain and for agricultural purposes. The groundwater needs to be utilized as well. People drill wells and use this water both for drinking and agricultural purposes. People should also revive and manage lakes that can collect the water to make it accessible to the nearby residents.

A large portion of 70% of freshwater is used for food production in agriculture. This is explicable, as the world population increases each and every year requiring more and more food to survive. The most part of the population is concentrated in the big cities, which deteriorates the problem with water scarcity even more.

There are six major steps that should be done to resolve the water problems globally, but every individual should take part in these simple strategies and contribute to improve the situation.

First, we need to improve all water related data. Second, we should protect and treasure our environment, preventing further pollution. Third, water governance should be reformed. Fourth, the agricultural water use should be revitalized. Fifth, the urban and industrial water demand should be managed. Sixth, the women and poor people should have an access to the water resources and their management.

The global water crisis can be prevented, if we strictly follow these simple steps. It is very important that all industries and big urban centers learn to properly use the water, so the greatest part of it could be directed to the agriculture. Since the world population grows each and every year, the growing demand for more and more food should be met.




About the Author:



Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Is Solar Power The Way Forward?

By Rian Mahon


The importance of using green energy increases every day, making the use of home wind turbines, solar panels and other alternative energy sources necessary for the world's survival and well-being. Thus, more and more governments around the world start to subsidize people who decide to install such green energy sources in their home.

Would you like to use free electricity? If you install it in your home, just for a few years the solar panel will pay for itself, allowing you to use free electricity. That is why solar power becomes increasingly popular all around the world and many business and home owners believe that more and more alternative energy sources will be used in future.

Why the solar power is the way forward? Let's give an answer to this important question.

It is impossible to stop the rapid decrease of fossil fuel supplies that is a result of the increasing demand for more and more electricity consumption. In result, the electricity prices escalate, causing difficulties for consumers that cannot afford them. This in turn affects the economic as a whole, causing increase of other essential products' prices.

The installation of solar system will allow you to rely on yourself only, which is a great option for business owners and other people. This will automatically reduce all the costs you currently have for the electricity from the conventional grid. This will save you a lot of money.

Even though some people do not choose alternative energy sources because of their equipment's high costs, the investment will surely repay you in just a few years and you will start earn money after that period. Additionally, this is low-risk investment compared with other investments made today, such as stocks or bonds.

You are going to greatly benefit, if you turn to an expert who can make required calculations and show you all the earnings you will get after the period of repayment for the installation and equipment costs. He is going to show you lifetime benefits you will have from your decision.

If your property has low carbon content, its price will automatically rise, being a great proposition for the buyers. So even if you intend to re-sale your home in a few years, installing of solar panels will significantly increase its price. Remember that this step is not going to bring you returns on a later stage only, but will contribute to the environment welfare.

If you are concerned about the current condition of our planet, its nature, air and waters, you will prefer to use alternative energy sources that have no harmful byproducts that affect our health and well-being.

The greatest thing about renewable energy sources is that they are unlimited, so you can be sure that the investment you make will not only benefit you, but the coming generations after you too. The roof mount is the cheapest type of solar panel installation and the most preferred of all, due to the lower expenses for installation, compared to the other types that are ground installation and installment on other structures.




About the Author:



Thursday, February 27, 2014

Helping You Understand The Ins And Outs About Solar Energy

By Vian Crisanto


When thinking about alternative energy sources, solar energy is one that most people think of first. Your utility bills will decrease dramatically, while you save the planet by going green. Over the next few minutes, you'll discover a variety of tips and ideas on using solar energy.

Photo-voltaic solar panels come in two varieties. Poly-crystalline panels are cheaper, and mono-crystalline panels are more efficient. Find the most practical product so that you can save the most during the year.

With regular maintenance, solar energy systems will run just fine. This requires that you thoroughly inspect your panels and carefully wash their surfaces a minimum of once per month. Although you can save money by inspecting and cleaning your panels on your own, you should hire a professional for doing this if you are just not comfortable climbing up on your roof.

A solar heating system for your water is very helpful to the environment. You have many options, such as tank-free models and solar-powered water tanks for heating your water. They are easily installed in an area of optimum sun exposure or on the roof.

If you want to by a solar power system, steer clear of pushy salespeople. You should have adequate time to plan and make the best decision for your needs. Purchasing in response to pressure tactics is a recipe for disaster.

There may be rebates or grants that can help you pay for your solar panel installation. So while theses initial costs are intimidating, know that there is help available. Look into state and federal grant opportunities intended to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. This can make things cost quite a bit less. There may also be a tax credit available.

When buying solar panels, stay away from salesmen who try to pressure you into sales. Take your time and do your research to make the smartest and most appropriate choice. When you buy without thinking, you may be taken advantage of.

A lot of people don't know that you don't need to be hooked up to a power grid when you use a solar system. You can operate all on your own, giving your family a measure of independence from the rest of your city or town. This means you can look forward to no more utility bills.

When you own your home outright, set up a full-scale system for collecting solar power. The reason to wait until you own the home is so that you are not saddled with both a mortgage and the financing of your installation, as you risk losing it all.

Make sure that your solar panels are installed in a way so that they get the most sun possible throughout the entire year. If you don't know how to do it, look at the direction the sun is in and how it changes through the seasons.

It's time to get active about solar energy now that you are informed. Knowing about solar power will only benefit you if you apply your knowledge. Use what you have just learned to apply solar energy to your life. Talk to your friends and get them to use solar energy.




About the Author:



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Valuable Insights On The Benefits Of Solar Energy

By Almer Veloso


You may not understand much in regards to solar energy. Many people don't know much about the subject. Make sure you are aware of the costs and benefits before you sign any installation contract. This article will help you do just that.

Photo-voltaic panels have two main types. Poly-crystalline panels tend to be cheaper but they are not as efficient than mono-crystalline solar panels. When choosing solar energy supplies for your home, look for the most energy-efficient materials available.

You can start out small by using small-scale solar power applications. This can be done in two ways. The first is to look for window-mounted panels that can be used to charge your portable electronic devices. Next, try to find camping equipment that can run on solar power. Each tiny bit helps you lower those bills!

Purchasing solar energy systems can save money, but keep in mind that they are a long-term investment. This can help you go green and reduce your energy bill. Therefore, you should only make an investment in solar panels when you are financially stable and intend on settling down.

When opting to lease a solar energy system, ensure that you can transfer the lease. Should you move some day, you may have to continue paying on the lease because you can't take the system with you. If you can transfer it to the new owners, you'll be fine.

Monitor your current energy use. You have to understand how much you use per day. Knowing this stuff is important when you're thinking of a solar energy system's size. Check back on your utility bills to see when you use the most energy.

If you get solar panels installed, make a habit of checking the inverter. You should see a solid green light. Call a professional if it's blinking or off. You will become able to diagnose small issues yourself if you learn more about solar panels, but it is best to call a professional. If your solar energy system has a good warranty, your service visits should be included.

If you're going to get a house built it's now a good time for you to think about using solar energy. This is the most green power solution available. You should at least think about adding solar panels to your home.

Don't work with pushy salespeople. This industry has a lot of salespeople like this. You have to be able to stand up to them and tell them that you need time to shop around. If they tell you it's a wonderful deal, it should remain that way. You will more than likely regret the decisions you made under pressure.

Solar panels are most often installed in areas that give them the most sunlight exposure, however things can change over time. Keep an eye on trees to make sure that they don't grow and block your panels over time.

You need to think seriously about the benefits of a good solar water heater. They may not save you as much money as you expect. Early morning showers are not necessarily going to be freezing cold. Water heated by solar power should stay warm for 24 hours.

Try leasing solar energy systems if you can't buy one yourself. Leasing is cheaper than purchasing a system and can save money within a few weeks due to lower start up costs.

Never make a decision on solar panels by just price. There is so much to look at, such as wattage, efficiency and warranty length. That means you have to research every option thoroughly. Purchase the best panels for a price that's affordable.

Most people don't know how solar energy actually works. Now that you've read this article, you are likely much more informed on solar energy and its usages. You probably know some of the benefits that solar energy can provide. Keep all of this in mind when making the decision about solar energy.




About the Author:



Friday, November 1, 2013

Geothermal Systems And How They Work

By Dino Harder


It is not surprising for homeowners today to invest in heating and cooling systems. This is because everyone wants to make their space as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather changes. These systems will keep your place under the desired warmth regardless of the hot summer months. The situation goes the same with the cold winter months, when your house is kept warm amidst the cold months. However, investing on any heating and cooling systems won't be enough. You should also consider having a system installed in your home that does not contribute further carbon footprint to the atmosphere. These systems make use of geothermal energy to heat and cool the home.

Investing on a geothermal system will provide you tremendous benefits compared to other common heating and cooling systems. First, they are suitable for all kinds of properties, from commercial to residential. Notably, this system is more cost-effective than other heating and cooling units sold in the market. It all makes perfect sense to invest in such system because of the fluctuating prices of oil and fuel. This is a type of system that makes use of renewable energy which also adds value to the equity of your house. Due to these among other benefits, geothermal heating and cooling systems are rapidly increasing in popularity. Unlike decades ago when this system was viewed as an alternative to home heating and cooling, these days, it is a leading option amongst environmentally conscious homeowners.

So, how does geothermal system work?

A standard geothermal home heating and cooling unit comes with 2 key components:

1. Externally is a unit of high density polythene pipe buried in a horizontal or vertical position. preferably called and referred to as ground loop because it has heat transferring fluid that has a steady temperature parallel to the earth surrounding. The fluid is accountable for heat transfer from or to the earth. When in cooling mode, the fluid will discharge heat but, when in heating mode, it removes the heat.

2. Internally is a heat pump as well as a pumping arrangement that coveys the heat supplied by the loop. This can be well realized by the common refrigeration process which transfers heating or cooling by forced air or water.

The function of the heat pump is closely similar to a home refrigerator where it removes the heat from the items stored and passes the heat into the room by coils located at the back of the ref. As already indicated, the heat pump heats or cools, hence you do not need separate units for heating and air conditioning.

After circulating through the buried loop, the fluid is then piped into the home where it is joined to the heat exchanger in the heat pump. During winter months, the fluid in the loop extracts heat from the earth redirects it in the home. In summer, the process is reversed. The heat from your home will be harvested by the fluid and then it will send the heat into the earth.

Regardless of what type of home style you have, this geothermal system can be installed. Whether you decide to install the piping under your lawn or just within the driveway, this system is versatile and adaptable to the environment. The heat pumps can also exchange heat with nearby water bodies like wells and lakes. A heat pump that uses well water, before it returns the heat to the ground via the second well included will first circulate the water straight through the system.

The heat pump of the said geothermal system makes use of desuperheater. This has the ability to significantly cut down your water heating bills. During summer months, it harnesses "waste" heat from the air conditioning unit to warm the water. During winter, it diverts some of the heat from the heat pump to the water heating platform.

Cost of geothermal heat pumps

The 2009 Economic Stimulus Recovery act eliminated the cap on geothermal heat pump systems for residential installations. it made residential areas (homeowners) eligible for 30% tax incentive from the whole system cost. That said, it is important to note that the cost of a geothermal heat pump vary depending on whether the system is coming with a vertical or horizontal loop. Usually, a house of 2500 square feet with 60,000BTU heating and cooling load would cost about 25,000 US dollars for complete installation. While this is about twice the cost of the traditional heating, cooling and hot water system, a geothermal unit can minimize your energy bills by up to 60%. Geothermal system lasts to up to 23 years with period of payback of around 10 years.

A geothermal system is a perfect way to green your home and save money while reducing your carbon footprint. Nevertheless, you need to fully re-assess the average energy that you home needs before deciding to install such system. Besides reducing your utility bills, a more energy efficient home will also greatly maximize your home's equity value.

To understand further about Geothermal Heating and Cooling and find out How Geothermal Energy Is Produced.




About the Author:



Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Benefits of Changing to Solar Energy in Perth

By Ian Milne


The increase in power bills and accelerating green concerns has led Australians into embracing solar power Perth as the choice source of energy. Perth is one of the cities in Australia that has got a great potential for generation of solar energy. A report by the Global Energy Agency states that Perth has the best solar resources and greatest potential for generating solar power among towns in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Perth households and enterprises have experienced the upward thrust of electricity charges to up to 45 percent in the last couple of years. With further electricity price rises anticipated, there might be no better time to turn to solar energy and save money in electricity costs.

The main virtue of solar energy is it is replenish-able. The sun provides energy nearly every day which makes it better than nuclear power or coal. Solar power generates electrical power employing a PV system/solar panel that is installed in the roof of your home or business premise. Solar energy panels can collect power enough to sustain one or two homes or business residences by distributing the energy through a power grid.

Apart from cutting costs on electrical bills and dodging electricity price rises, solar power Perth is one of the paths to cut back your carbon emissions footprint. It is a well known fact that solar power doesn't release emissions in the air and the utilisation of solar energy is one way of forestalling pollution and global temperature rises in Australia.

What's more, solar power Perth is cheap to all regardless of your private earnings thanks to the solar rebates provided by the Commonwealth and State Legislature. It's also a undeniable fact the discounts offered in Perth are one of the very highest in Australia due to the city's climate. Solar power clients in Perth are now able to cut the price of upfront installation costs dramatically and sell back to the main grid all new power.




About the Author: