From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

Welcome back!  Hopefully Labor Day gave you all the rest, relaxation and energy boost you all needed.  Now that we’re back, I think it’s officially time that we devote some time on this blog to a new feature over at Northern Tool…amazingly helpful Buyer’s Guides that will help YOU dive head first into alternative energy.  The fact is, renewable energy is here, it is now, and it can be a reality for anyone.  Getting there is simpler than you’d believe, and this handy Buyer’s Guide will help you do just that.

So, lets start at the beginning, and break down the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide for you.  Part 1 will cover the basics of not only the benefits of Solar Energy, but also how it works.  At any time, feel free to head over to Northern Tool, check up on the official Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide, and start buying some products to convert your home!

“The Basics: How Does Solar Energy Work?

Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year. Using photovoltaic technology through solar panels, solar energy is created by converting the heat and light that comes from the sun into electrical energy.

Each solar panel is made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer. Much like a battery, these layers generate an electric field. As the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, electrons are created and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy sources.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

If you’re looking for more affordable, eco-friendly energy alternatives, you can’t beat the benefits of solar energy:

1. Economical — Now more than ever, consumers are feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of energy for heating their homes, powering their vehicles and generating electricity. But, by investing in the right equipment, many are seeing that solar energy is by far one of the most economical, reasonably-priced energy solutions available. Low equipment maintenance over the long run makes it an especially good buy.
2. Renewable — Because the supply of the sun’s light is free, unrestricted and renewable, solar energy users are never affected by shortages (other than nightfall), skyrocketing prices, or production limitations. What’s more, technological advancements enable solar equipment to consistently operate even on cloudy days.
3. Environmentally friendly — One of the most eco-friendly energy alternatives, solar energy production does not directly emit fumes, create greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, or yield noise pollution.
4. Convenient Power Source — Whether it’s used for back up to a permanent energy source or to provide power in remote areas, solar power offers all the convenience and dependability of standard energy resources, without the financial or environmental costs.”

There you go!  Part 1 of the Solar Energy Buyer’s Guide!  I can’t stress enough how amazing, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly this is.  Head over right now and check out all of Northern Tool’s Solar Solutions.  Ranging from individual panels, to entire kits that provide all you need to get started, we have it all to get YOU up and running in the exciting world of Alternative Energy.