Part 4 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. What about permits? If you live in a community in which a homeowners association requires approval for a solar system, you or your PV provider may need to submit your plans. Gain approval from your homeowners association before you begin installing your PV […]
Part 2 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Why should I buy a PV system? People decide to buy PV systems for a variety of reasons. Some want to reduce air pollution and help preserve the earth’s finite fossil-fuel resources. Others would rather spend their money on an energy-producing improvement to […]
What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. So, you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present. […]
Part 10 of Buying and Using Renewable Energy at Home. In addition to wind turbines, PV modules, or a microhydropower generator, you must purchase BOS equipment, when generating your own power. This may include battery charge controllers, batteries, inverters, wires, conduit, a grounding circuit, fuses, safety disconnects, outlets, metal structures for supporting the PV modules, […]
Balance-of-System Equipment In addition to the PV modules, you must purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. This includes battery charge controllers, batteries, inverters (for loads requiring alternating current), wires, conduit, a grounding circuit, fuses, safety disconnects, outlets, metal structures for supporting the modules, and any additional components that are part of the PV system. Below, we’ll discuss […]
Part 2 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Loose-fill insulations are well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation, such as irregularly shaped areas, around obstructions (such as plumbing stacks), and in hard-to-reach places. They can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Blown-in […]
Part 1 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Whether you are increasing the insulation levels in your current home or selecting insulation for a new home, choosing the right insulation material can be challenging. Fibrous loose-fill insulations such as cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are options you may wish to consider. This publication will introduce you to these […]
Part 2 of Geothermal Heat Pumps. Geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption—and corresponding air pollution emissions—up to 44% compared to air source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment. (Source: EPA, 1993) Geothermal heat pumps are viable nationwide. They use the Earth as a heat sink […]