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Green, clean, renewable or sustainable energy, which is best?
When we talk of clean energy, renewable energy and sustainable energy they are usually considered to mean the same as green energy but strictly speaking there are differences. Clean energy does not have to be renewable as long as it is non-polluting. Renewable and sustainable energy does not have to be non-polluting, just replaceable indefinitely. Even green and clean energy are not the same. Clean energy may be non-polluting but can have undesirable effects on the environment, an example is hydro power, the energy is clean but the environment may be damaged by building dams.
Green energy
But when we think of green energy there is no confusion, it is energy that is non-polluting and renewable.
The two most cost effective forms of green energy are solar power and wind energy.
Solar power
Solar power is generally considered to mean electricity generation using photovoltaic (PV) cells. In theory a PV cell with an area of one square centimeter can make one watt of electricity from sunlight but this is not possible using current technology. The best commonly available PV cells have an energy conversion efficiency of less than 20 percent.
Solar panels
The most efficient solar cells are made from thin slices of silicon called wafers. Solar cells can be compared to battery cells except that they only provide a current when exposed to sunlight. Just as battery cells can be connected together to provide more voltage, so solar panels are composed of PV cells connected together to provide the desired total voltage then sealed between sheets of glass and plastic to make them weatherproof. The solar panels can also be connected together to increase the total voltage and current.
The electricity generated can be used directly by connecting the solar panel to the device to be powered, for instance a DC motor but the preferred method is to use the solar power to charge up a battery which is then used to power a device.
Wind energy
Wind generators (also called wind turbines) provide electricity by connecting a generator, similar to those used in vehicles, to a shaft containing rotor blades much like an old style aeroplane propeller. The force of the wind spins the rotor to generate electricity. The generator is technically an alternator because it generates AC electricity. The AC electricity is converted to DC electricity and then used in the same way as that from solar cells, so it can also be used to charge up a battery. In fact it’s common to have a dual power generating system made up of both wind generators and solar panels.
Solar Charger
A Solar Charger is usually a small self contained unit made up of solar cells and internal battery used to power small devices like mobile phones and digital cameras. In a typical unit the solar cells are not separate but form part of the units casing containing charging circuits and wiring to charge the small batteries inside. (A solar panel kit like the Solargorilla may look like a solar charger but it's a portable solar panel because the battery is a separate unit)
A solar charger can power a device while it is collecting solar power or the charge stored in the internal battery can be used later. Solar chargers are well suited to the power requirements of small devices like mobile phones that require a voltage of less than 6 volts but larger, more power hungry Laptops cannot be recharged by them because the voltage and amps from the solar charger are too low.
The latest solar chargers have eco-friendly internal Li-Ion batteries, these are not damaging to the environment because they don’t contain toxic heavy metals unlike the Ni-Cads.
Solar Chargers from Ecopia
Depending on personal taste and size and power capacity you may choose from the SBC03, SBC05, SBC06 or SBC08, also available are connectors for most models of phones if yours is not included in the standard pack. Emergency Mobile Phone Chargers Ensure you never lose mobile power, simply recharge from your computer USB port, choose from the single battery styles EC-03, EC-04 or the 2-battery model EC-05, they use similar connectors for connecting to most models of phones if yours is not included in the standard pack.
These LED lights use AAA batteries provided by Osram and are non-rechargeable so we advocate you replace them with rechargeable ones when they run flat. Always dispose of old batteries correctly. Most places where batteries are purchased will happily accept old batteries for recycling or correct disposal.
Everybody loves these Dot-it LED lights, the light brightness is adjustable from one to three LEDs. You have an opportunity to obtain the new Dimmable round LED light and new Linear LED light at a special price for a limited time. These LED lights can be attached by adhesive backing, an included magnetic backing or hung from a hook and give a nice spread of light, useful for lighting a dark corner in the kitchen or car or RV camper.
Portable solar panels from Ecopia
The popular suntech Portable 12v solar panels provide portable power for campers, caravans, RVs or anywhere you need stand-alone power. Available in 20 watt, 40 watt, 80 watt and 120 watt folding solar panel kits. These kits are very popular due to their clever design consisting of two hinged solar panels and an attached regulator, they come in a handy strong carry bag. The kits are very robust with stainless steel hinges and anodised alloy frames. All you need is to connect it to a storage battery to get free solar energy when you go bush or camping, so before you buy check out these high quality Australian made solar panel kits.
Hand-crank dynamo LED torches from Ecopia
Sontax LED lights and torches use hand-crank dynamo technology and never need batteries. We have the whole range of wind up torches from the Minimagic, Magic Torch, Magic Plus to the Magic Bike Torch kit, LED Headlamp and the rugged Work-site Torch&Headlamp.
Non toxic and renewable fly traps from Ecopia
Envirosafe Fly traps will make your summer an enjoyable fly-free experience.They are 100% environmentally safe and the best ecologic alternative to toxic chemicals. You will be impressed by the amount of flies these amazing traps will snare while doing something positive by eliminating thousands of flies that would otherwise breed and produce millions more. We also have the Jumbo size Fly Traps and Moth Traps too.
100% recycled paper greetings cards using natural vegetable dyes from Ecopia
EarthGreetings gift and greetings cards are 100% recycled and natural, with dyes are made from safe non-toxic vegetable colouring. You will really appreciate the wonderful texture of the paper and the designs are suitable for all tastes. Recycling paper is important to reduce the impact on our forests, we need the forests to remain to act as carbon sinks, an vital part the natural ecology plays in mitigating greenhouse warming.
12V solar panels from Ecopia
Suntech are world leaders in 12v solar panels, sizes start at 2 watts.