Living Off the Grid, The Ultimate in Green Living - Can You Really Live Without the Grid?

It's a great concept: living off the grid. But do those people who profess to live off the grid really do so?

Not very likely.

Even if you generate your own power at home through a combination of solar, wind, and even geothermal energy sources, you are dependent on the grid for a lot of things you take for granted.

For example, how do your think your tools and electronic devices were manufactured if not for grid -based power. That means every refrigerator, light bulb, computer, razor, toothbrush and all the other modern conveniences that you avail yourself of would not exist but for the grid. You can't make a solar panel without high purity silicon. And of course, you use a cell phone and the cell phone network, including its satellites, don't you?

And unless you are quite skilled at skinning, spinning, knitting, and sewing, the grid also provides the means to produce your shoes, clothes, blankets, and linens.

Even the Amish don't reject all the conveniences and technology from the modern world. They may avoid grid-provided electricity, but many use kerosene-powered refrigerators and generators. They are also still willing to hire cars and vans or ride in trains or buses.

Living off the grid-really and truly off the grid-means literally going back to nature. And most people aren't really able to do that. It would be like perpetual camping. People living in rural or sparsely populated areas where utility companies have not provided services come close to off-the grid living. They are forced to generate their own power if they want to have any electrical conveniences at all. But to run oil-powered generators requires oil, which had to obtained somehow-pumped from the ground, refined, and transported to the remote location where it is used.

Part of progressing as a society is using the resources and technology we have developed to improve our standard of living, while always maintaining a respect for the cost to the environment when we do. People need to be housed, clothed and fed, and need places to live and work. Wise development of land can provide these needs and improve our living standards without destroying the earth's ability to continue to provide for our needs.

The electrical grid is an integral part of the infrastructure of society. We should use it wisely, and not waste the power we obtain or abuse the benefit. A rational approach is to reduce our need for power but not be completely severed from the grid. Conserving, and using our resources wisely, but not ex-communicating ourselves from the grid is the best approach.

Multijunction Solar Cells - Overview and History

Ultimately, all energy - even energy derived from fossil fuels - is solar energy. The difference between petrofuels and what we think of today as solar energy is that the former represents the sun's energy that has been locked up in the form of carbon for hundreds of millions of years and is released when it is burned.

New technology such as solar photovoltaic cells make direct use of solar energy as it reaches the surface of the planet. Although this is virtually pollution-free and can ultimately provide virtual no-cost energy, there have been two major drawbacks to photovoltaic solar cells: cost and inefficiency. Solar cells have historically been exorbitantly expensive, and generate relatively little in the way of usable electrical power.

However, as has been the case with the personal computer, solar energy technology is undergoing rapid changes that allow solar voltaic cells to produce greater amounts of energy at much lower costs; barring interference from federal legislators and oil company lobbyists, it is very possible that within the next few years we will be able to generate electricity from solar panels for as little as.03c a kilowatt - about half of what folks are paying for hydro power in Washington State, where electricity is already inexpensive compared to the rest of the country.

One of the keys to this bright energy future is multijunction solar cells. These cells have multiple layers, each of which is "tuned" to a different part of the sun's spectrum. As you may know, the sun's rays are made up of different colors, which you can see through a prism or after a storm when water droplets in the atmosphere break up the spectrum, producing a rainbow. Each layer in one of these specialized cells captures part of the spectrum - which means they are able to capture more of the sun's light and turn this into electricity.

The bottom line is efficiencies up to 40% - 4-3 times that of older types of solar panels.

Multijunction solar cells have been around for awhile, but until now, costs have been astronomical - literally. They have long been used for orbiting satellites (and are used on the Mars Rover as well), because their light weight went a long ways toward offsetting the cost of getting them into outer space. Today, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy Renewable Energy Lab have achieved more than 40% efficiency using this technology, which is currently the record for such generation.

Successful Solar Installations Around The World

While some lawmakers in Washington D.C. continue to push for refinement of the existing oil and coal industries, innovative companies headed by a new generation of forward-thinking entrepreneurs have continued to press on with the development of practical solar power plants throughout the world. As nonrenewable fossil-fuel stores are further depleted, new technologies such as the concentrated photovoltaic system (CPV) and multijunction solar cells are leading the rest of the world toward the day when the use of petroleum will be limited to the manufacture of some types of plastics - and solar power generation will be the planet's primary source of energy.

Not surprisingly, some of the most successful solar power plants are found in parts of the world in which the price of oil is prohibitively expensive, such as Europe and Japan. Until now, most of these have been of the indirect type, in which the sun's rays are concentrated toward a single area in order to generate heat. This heat is in turn used to boil water which drives steam turbines; in this respect, they operate in much the same manner as coal, oil and gas-fired power plants, the only difference being that solar energy is used in place of the fossil fuel. Although far cleaner than fossil fuels, such solar power plants are not particularly efficient.

A concentrated photovoltaic system, or CPV, is another matter. This type of solar generation uses sunlight directly, and with current technologies, is approaching efficiency rates of over 40%. The Moura CPV facility in Portugal and Germany's Waldpolenz Solar Park are two of the most successful solar power plants in the world today; both of these generate in excess of 40 megawatts.

The United States has some catching up to do, but has come a long way. In 2009, construction began outside of San Luis Obispo, California on the Topaz Solar Farm. Although costs are projected to be in the neighborhood of $1 billion, it is expected to generate 1100 gigawatt-hours every year, dwarfing the capacities of the European plants.

Less than three hundred miles to the east in the deserts around Las Vegas, a locally-based company is leading the way forward with the latest multijunction solar cells at the University of Nevada campas. Multijunction solar cells represent the most efficient form of direct solar energy yet developed; rather than simply using part of the solar spectrum, these cells are able to capture solar energy from the entire spectrum from near infrared to ultraviolet. It is only one of several projects this company has developed over the past few years in the Las Vegas metro area; its CPV power plant at Nevada Energy's Clark Generating Station has been a fixture along U.S. Highway 95 since 2006 and continues to supplement the utility's power supply during times of peak demand.

Are Solar Powered Vehicles in Our Future?

Solar power is becoming quite popular in many countries across the planet as it utilizes the energy of the sun. A solar-powered vehicle is basically an electric automobile that is powered by this renewable energy. The power is gained by the use of solar panels that are usually placed on the roof of the car. Photovoltaic (PV) cells then convert the energy from the sun straight into electrical energy. It is all a very simple process. While solar vehicles have been made, they are not considered to be practical in daily transportation use at this point in time. Most solar-powered cars are basically used as demonstration vehicles as well as research projects. However, that is not to say they will not be more popular in the future.

Solar cars are typically quite limited by energy that is input into the machine. The majority of solar cars at present have actually been manufactured for the reason of racing solar cars. However, there are some solar utility vehicles in use in various parts of the world. The cars are usually fitted with gauges that are used to indicate any possible problems. If there are not any gauges installed, the auto will probably have wireless telemetry. This lets a driver's team monitor the energy consumption, the capture of energy as well as other parameters of the car while the driver can simply concentrate on doing the driving.

The PV cells of the cars can directly convert the light of the sun into electricity and are generally constructed of semiconductor materials including alloys of indium, nitrogen, gallium, as well as silicon. However, silicon is used most commonly used as it possesses an efficiency rate of 15 to 20 per cent.

As stated before, solar cars are generally restricted to racing and show. There are two very popular solar car races which are the North American Solar Challenge, and the World Solar Challenge. These are overland road rally-style races that are usually contested by corporate and university teams.

Racers from across the world gather in Australia to compete in the World Solar Challenge. The drivers race 3,000 kilometres across the continent. In the North American Solar Challenge, college and university teams dominate as they race in timed intervals in America and Canada, with the next event scheduled for the summer of 2010.

There is also a race for high school students that is held in America, called the Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge. This is a yearly event that also attracts teams from around the world, but the majority are from the U.S. It originated in 1995. Other distance races are held, such as the Suzuka, Phaethon, which is an annual solar race that is held in Japan.

While solar power has been used to fuel motorcycles, bicycles, ships, and airplanes, it seems that cars would be the most popular form of transportation of a solar vehicle around the world and researchers are trying to develop one for everyday public use. The Solartaxi, which was the result of a project in Switzerland, has actually circumnavigated the world as it drove 50,000 kilometres in 18 and crossed 40 countries. It can travel 400 kilometres without recharging. And has a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour. While this is positive news, it seems a type of solar-powered hybrid car will be the next step. However, it has been reported that the 2010 Toyota Prius will have an option to erect solar panels on its roof and that Toyota is trying to develop an all-solar car.

Solar Power Information - The Advancements Made in This Green Technology

Solar power information is all over the place these days, and not due to anything new in the field, but more as a result of the dragging economy. The fact is that solar energy has drastically improved as a technology over the past four decades since its initial boom of popularity way back in the seventies - remember those days? Well, before I go dating my age here, let me just say that there are three major ways this technology has leaped ahead since way back then in "the old days". Basically, advancements have been made in production of photovoltaic cells ("solar panels"), bringing their prices way down for anyone to afford, materials used have made advancements as well, making them much more compact and lightweight, and there have been soaring advancements in their energy output - the amount of electricity that they can produce. Let's examine all of this more closely...

As for the advancements in solar power, information on their power ratings can be seen wherever they can be purchased, even online - there are a few different types and kinds of solar cells out there, and each has their out power output rating... but if you remember the way things were at all, you'll find that the power outputs of those from the seventies are quite ridiculously laughable when you compare them to those of today. For example, back then in order to provide enough electricity to power an entire home, it would cost in the general neighborhood of ten thousand dollars or more. Today, this cost has plummeted to being a few hundred to one or two thousand to do the same.

This is how far advanced today it is for solar power. Information on making your own panels is also all over the internet, as people everywhere are building their own arrays right out of the garage. Using simple and inexpensive components, people are putting together panels measuring about three by five feet, single ones, for less than a hundred dollars, that can power a small fridge, a personal computer, and a small stereo entertainment system all on the same single panel. This type of thing is usually done over a weekend as an activity to get into with the family for a fun filled project that's inexpensive, enjoyable... and pays.

The more solar power information you look into, the more that it seems senseless not to tap into this green technology using this free sustainable energy resource. It's free - there is no "sun bill" that comes in the mail every month. It's inexhaustible - if you had a hundred billion solar panels faced towards the sun and collecting the rays, it would never deplete the supply of energy that the sun whips out into the universe by the gigaton every passing second. It's clean - there is nothing burned, no exhaust, no fumes, no byproducts, and no negative effects on the environment at all whatsoever, in any way, shape, form or fashion. There's utterly no excuse not to be using this free energy, and a world of reasons to get into implementing it in our homes and our lives.

Green is a Way of Life in Canada

Going green is the topic du jour for many people these days. Environmental disasters, toxic products that cause catastrophic diseases, climate change, and the rising cost of natural resources has spurred individuals and families in the U.S. to reduce, reuse, and recycle. But although we have a reputation for creativity and innovation in the world, when it comes to being at the forefront of the environmental movement, we are sorely lagging behind.

Efforts to go green in the United States are inconsistent at best. Some states, such as Washington State, California, Vermont, and Colorado, have become the leaders in the environmental revolution and made going green an integral part of the state's culture. For example, Washington has an aggressive recycling program in place that has seen a steady increase in the recycling of reusable materials since 2000. In fact, Seattle calls their green residents Metronaturals to describe the commitment the city has to living in balance with its beautiful natural surroundings.

But as a nation we are trailing behind and can learn from other countries about going green including our sister nation to the north, Canada. From recycling programs to Earth-friendly financial products, Canada has got going green down to a science.

Canadians Going Green

* According to a survey conducted by Decima Research, 2/3 of Canadians are going green in the grocery store. Out of 1013 people surveyed, 92% are choosing locally grown fruits and vegetable, 81% try to purchase products with less packaging, and 65% have switched over to natural and organic foods.

* An Ipsos Decarie survey found that 90% of Canadians recycle and 65% use reusable shopping bags.

* In 2007, 84% of Canadian households were using energy efficient light bulbs, 62% have low flow shower heads, and 42% have programmable thermostats.

* 22% of Canadians have green financial services. For example, green auto loans and insurance which feature lower rates for energy efficient vehicles are popular.

* According to the Households and the Environment Survey 27% of Canadian households compost their waste which is up 4% from 1994.

Businesses Going Green

* The Powered Right Program offered in partnership by Nova Scotia Power and Clean Nova Scotia helps businesses go green by replacing their incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent lights. So far, they have saved over 44 million KwH of electricity.

* Out of 1049 Canadian small businesses surveyed, about 46% had a green plan in place with another 6% looking into creating one. 63% were concentrating on reducing energy usage while 31% were focused on incorporating environmental standards into the production of their products and services.

* 26% of Ontario's small businesses produce or sell green products or have plans in the works to do so.

* 82% of small businesses in British Columbia are committed to recycling.

* Penn West Energy Trust is reusing CO2. The company pumps CO2 underground to help bring oil to the surface for use. They have manage to store over one million tons of CO@ (the equivalent of taking 222,000 cars of the street for one year) and have culled 4 million barrels of oil that otherwise would have been lost. The company anticipates being able to store as much as 25 million tons which is the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the roads for one year.

* The Canadian energy company TransAlta Corporation in Calgary, Alberta is the biggest investor of wind energy contributing over 154 MW of electricity generated by their wind farm to the grid. They have plans to add 66 MW to their Summerview Wind Farm in Alberta.

Government Green Initiatives

* In an effort to reduce emissions, the Canadian government set stringent new regulations in 2005 to reduce the sulfur levels in diesel fuel that is used for rail, marine, and other off road machinery.

* Called the eMobility program, the federal government is investing $3 million into 14 projects that will support the creation of eco-friendly transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

* In 2002, the Species At Risk Act (SARA) went into effect to protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats.

Tips for Going Green

Although Canada is going much to go green, there is always more everyone can do to be a little more eco-friendlier. Here are a few tips for bringing more green into your life:

* Save paper by paying bills online. Over 16 million trees would be saved if everyone in America alone would stop getting paper statements and pay their bills online.

* Avoid preheating your oven for more than 10 minutes to save energy.

* Sell, donate, or recycle electronics you do not want anymore.

* Set outside lights to be motion sensitive rather than leave them on all night.

* Unplug appliances, such as computers and televisions, when not in use. Billions of dollars in energy is wasted every year on standby power.

One simple way to save time, money, and be greener is to shop online for your household needs. Not only will you be able to find eco-friendly alternatives to the everyday products you know and love, you'll reduce your carbon footprint because you won't be wasting gas driving around town. Many of FedEx's and UPS's delivery trucks have been converted to energy efficient vehicles.

For those of you looking for ways to generate income, the green movement has opened up a multitude of opportunities to make money in a green business. My husband and I are involved in an eco-friendly business opportunity that combines two industries that continues to grow and offer immense profit opportunities, the environmental movement and online shopping. To learn how you can earn green while you go green, visit my online business tour or contact me. Saving planet is can be profitable.

4 Ways to Expand the Office Recycling Program

Going green in the office means more than recycling paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Every office should look beyond the obvious targets when implementing recycling programs. Here a four ways to expand your office's recycle program in overlooked areas.

1. Recycle more than paper. Companies like RECYCLEPAK make it easy for offices to recycle batteries and light bulbs. From calculators to cell phones, you can recycle many small office electronics in the same manner as your empty ink and toner toner cartridges-by sending them back to the manufacturers.

2. Recycle ink and toner cartridges. Many ink and toner manufacturers provide pre-paid shipping labels to make recycling ink and toner cartridges easy. Just return you empty cartridges and let them handle the recycling. If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can try refilling your toner cartridges yourself. There are many step by step guides floating around online. Just be advised: refilling toner cartridges can be a messy undertaking and carries some risk to your office machines.

3. Donate or recycle old computers. Don't throw away old office computers after an upgrade - donate! Do it for the tax write off, PR benefits, and that warm do-gooder glow. The National Cristina Foundation is a great organization to donate to - they match match old office computers with needy schools. Furthermore, Dell and other computer manufacturers offer free recycling and trade ins. Or you can go old school and donate your old office computers to Goodwill. Of course, Dell and other computer manufacturers offer free computer recycling, as well as trade-in deals. With all the computer recycling and donation programs available to offices, there is no excuse for any office computer to end up in a landfill.

4. Compost cafeteria food waste. According to the EPA, only 2% of food waste is recycled for composting. Companies that expand their office recycling programs to include food composting significantly reduce their trash removal expense and gain invaluable PR. "In-vessel" composting is the best solution for most office because the food waste is fully contained to eliminate odors and keep away critters. The EPA offers a free guide to commercial food composting on their website.

Expanding the office recycling program is great way to green your office. Sure, you help the environment when you recycle, but you also boost your company's public image and improve the bottom line! Comprehensive recycling programs are one of the few ways businesses can save money and look good doing it!