Most of us cannot feasibly afford to install a full solar power system into our homes. Energy Refuge suggests starting small. One solar panel and a sealed battery would hold about 400 watts of electricity. You will also need a charge control, power inverter, and a voltage meter. That is enough to run some of your small appliances, and will offset the cost of the solar panel. Here is a tutorial, put together by Energy Refuge on how to build a basic solar power generator.

If you are not comfortable starting from scratch, then have a look at this kit, by the 'Go-Solar' Company. Reasonably priced especially when you consider the savings on your electrical bill. Five hours of sun per day and a 20 watt solar panel will give you 100 watt-hours of energy. To store more electricity simply purchase a larger battery.

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New reports have revealed that the remarkable energy saving compact florescent bulbs may only save energy and not the environment.

Mercury Hazard

Each of these light bulbs contain mercury. And although it is only the size amount of a period at the end of a sentence, this amount can still be harmful if inhaled.

The majority of these light bulbs are ending up in the trash. And that leaves tiny bits of mercury in the landfills. Mercury can then spread from the landfills to eventually end up in our natural water supplies, like lakes and rivers.

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We know it’s possible to live off-grid, or to produce your own energy and feed it back into the grid, but is anyone actually doing it? It turns out there’s a growing number of self-sustaining homes, which in turn sustain companies like this one, that will retrofit your home with solar panels and wind turbines for energy production. One homeowner in downtown Toronto finds it hard not to feel smug about living off-grid, and who can blame him? Energy independence, and especially being able to produce this energy using sustainable technologies, must feel pretty darn good.

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Renewable resources. Environmentally friendly power. These terms are tossed around like salad almost on a daily basis.

The truth is renewable energy sources are finally being recognized as invaluable resources. Smart cars; solar panels the uses are finally getting closer to home; but commercial uses for friendly power have a long history. The hydroelectric power of Niagara Falls for example has long been utilized, its power first harnessed in 1759: to turn a small water wheel and in turn power a small sawmill. But it wasn't until 1895 that that the electricity generated by Niagara Falls was first transmitted to be used some distance away.

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Instead of buying a sugar-powered battery pack from Sony, you could make your own sugar battery at home. Here is an instructional video on how to charge your iPod (something everyone seems to want to do, these days) using some sort of sports drink (as long as it has electrolytes in it) and a white onion.

Poke a hole in the onion to let more liquid in. Soak the onion in about 2 cups of the sports drink, until at least one cup has been absorbed by the vegetable. Who knew onions were capable of absorbing so much fluid? Once this step is done, dry the onion off and stick your USB cord into its side. What effect this has on the USB itself, and whether it can ever be plugged into a conventional port again, I have no idea. But, sure enough, the iPod turns on and begins charging— and as long as the onion has soaked up enough fluid, you can go for about 20 minutes!

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A new environmentally friendly energy source may be found in the world's oceans. Marine bacteria DNA contains 'proteorhodopsin', a light capturing pigment which is similar to the pigment in the human retina which enables us to see colors.

Science Daily says researchers have found it would be possible for marine bacteria to capture solar light to generate energy with this pigment. Studies were done by the University of Kalmar in Sweden, in collaboration with researchers in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Spain.

"Bacteria in the surface water of the world's oceans swim in a sea of light," says Jarone Pinhassi. "And it is shouldn't be too surprising that evolution has favored microorganisms that can use this rich source of energy. This type of protein may also play a role in commercial and environmental perspectives, for the development of artificial photosynthesis for the environmentally friendly production of energy."

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Our hot water heater is so central to the household, it’s practically a family member. Without it, there would be no hot baths or showers, no warm water for dishes, and only freezing cold hand-washing. Brrr. But there is a price for this inconvenience, and it comes on the electricity bill as well as niggling at my conscience.

Luckily, most local electricity is generated by hydroelectric facilities, a slightly greener power source. Even so, all but the worst laundry goes into cold water, showers are short (ideally), and baths relatively infrequent. So what would improve my relationship with the hot water heater?

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Toyota has been the leader in the auto industry for being green since it came out with its well-known hybrid Prius. This car began being sold in the Japan market back in 1997, and was later introduced into the worldwide market in 2001.

At the company’s success in this gas-saving car, Toyota has recognized a need in the public and a niche in themselves that will take the automaker to the next level of the future in saving gas and the environment.

One Million

Toyota recently announced that the Prius just reached over a million cars sold worldwide. This is a great victory in the battle against emissions and also the battle of high gas costs. And even though this car is sold all over the world, it sells best in Japan and North America.

Toyota has used the Prius to make familiar the hybrid idea with the public. It will now be applying this technology to other vehicles as well. They hope to see even more hybrids being sold in 2010.

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Conserving energy is getting a little more urgent as gas and oil prices continue to rise. After all, North Americans lead energy-intensive lives, with more electric gadgets and gizmos than ever before. Turning off unused items - lights, computers, tvs - is definitely a worthwhile approach. But even the most wasteful processes can also be part of the solution.

Cogeneration, also called combined heat and power (CHP), allows conventional power plants - those that depend on fossil fuels - to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. Realistically, even with perfect alternative energy sources, it will take years to phase out fuel-burning plants. In the meantime, cogeneration can play an important role.

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As energy prices soar, the world is seeking out new ways of bring electricity to the public. And solar power is a big contributor to these new ideas.

Solar power has taken off in the ideas worldwide to utilize the sun as much as possible. From children’s playgrounds, to trees, and even to lily pads, the idea to get solar panels just about everywhere is exploding.

Children’s Playground

In Australia, a concept for solar trees on school playgrounds is being considered. These giant shades look similar to patio umbrellas, but with solar panels on top and a multi-level purpose. The structures spin, so they can be adjusted to get the sun at any angle. They also serve as shade for the children to play under. And the solar panels power the school.

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