A recent piece from AOL’s DIY Life blog shares news of three “game-changing” green technology products. Among the most interesting are a set of smart grid-enabled appliances that give users all sorts of details about energy consumption and some ways to control and reduce energy use — and, therefore, the amount spent to run those appliances.

The basic idea is that electricity costs more when increased demand — from, say, loads of air conditioner use on a steamy afternoon — puts more strain on the electrical grid. Smart grid-enabled appliances can help reduce peak-time use, reduce environmental impact and save you money. For example, “The smart-grid refrigerator delays the defrost cycle from occurring during peak hours, when it goes into energy saving mode. According to GE, one participant’s energy-efficiency efforts with refrigerator usage over 10 weekdays showed over a 20% reduction of energy used during peak hours.”

Meanwhile, CNet.com’s Green Tech blog says many of these smart-grid gizmos are starting to become more consumer-friendly — which you’d think would have been the idea from the get-go. The photo at right shows just one of these applications, a cell phone running the Web-based PowerMeter application from Google (yes, the search company).

Have you seen any interesting advancements in green tech lately? Have you had any first-hand experiences with smart-grid technology? Let us know in the comments.

Today’s article is a guest post by Barbara Young, who writes on RV solar panels in her personal hobby site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar power to lower CO2 emissions and energy dependency.

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People have harnessed solar power for centuries. As early as the 7th century B.C., people used simple magnifying glasses to concentrate the light of the sun into beams so hot they’d cause wood to catch fire. More than a century ago in France, a scientist used heat from a solar collector to produce steam to drive a steam engine. In the beginning of this century, scientists and engineers began researching ways to use solar power in earnest. One important development was a remarkably efficient solar boiler introduced by Charles Greeley Abbott, an American astrophysicist, in 1936.

The solar water heater became popular at this time in Florida, California, and the Southwest. The industry started in the early 1920s and was in full swing just before The second World War. This growth lasted until before mid-1950s, when low-cost propane had become the primary fuel for heating American homes.

The public and world governments remained largely indifferent to the possibilities of solar energy until the oil shortages of the1970s. Today, people use solar power to heat buildings and water and to generate electricity.

How do we use solar energy today?

Solar energy is used in a number of different ways, of course. There are two standard kinds of solar power:

• Solar thermal energy collects the sun’s warmth through water or an anti-freeze (glycol) mixture
• Solar photovoltaic energy converts the sun’s radiation to usable electricity

Here are the five most practical and popular ways solar power is employed:

1. Small portable solar photovoltaic systems. We see these used everywhere, from calculators to solar garden tools. Portable units can be used for things like RV appliances, while single-panel systems can be used traffic signs and remote-monitoring stations.
2. Solar pool heating. Running water in direct-circulation systems through a solar collector is an extremely practical way to heat water for your pool or hot tub.
3. Thermal glycol energy to heat water. In this method (indirect circulation), glycol is heated by sunshine and the heat is then transferred to water in a warm water tank. This process of collecting the sun’s energy is more practical now than ever before. In areas as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, solar thermal to heat water is economically sound. It can pay for itself in 36 months or less.
4. Integrating solar photovoltaic energy into your home or office power. In lots of parts of the world, solar photovoltaics are an economically feasible approach to supplement the power of your property. In Japan, photovoltaics are competitive with other kinds of power. In the United States, new incentive programs make this form of solar power ever more viable in many states. A frequent and practical method of integrating solar energy into the power of your home or business is through the usage of building integrated solar photovoltaics.
5. Large independent photovoltaic systems. For those who have enough sun power at your site, you might be able to go off grid. You may also integrate or hybridize your solar power system with wind power or other kinds of sustainable energy to stay “off the grid.”

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?

In favor of solar energy:

• Heating our homes with oil or propane or using electricity from power plants running with fossil fuels is a reason for climate change and climate disruption. Solar power, on the contrary, is clean and environmentally-friendly.
• Solar hot-water heaters require little maintenance, and their initial investment could be recovered within a relatively small amount of time.
• Solar hot-water heaters can work in almost any climate, even very cold ones. Simply choose the right system for your climate: drainback, thermosyphon, batch-ICS, etc.
• Maintenance costs of solar powered systems are minimal and also the warranties large.
• Financial incentives (United States, Canada, European states…) can help to eliminate the cost of the first investment in solar technologies. The U.S. government, as an example, offers tax credits for solar systems certified by by the SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation), which amount to 30 percent of the investment (2009-2016 period).

On the other hand:

• The first investment in solar water heaters or in photovoltaic electric systems is greater than that required by conventional electric and gas heaters systems.
• The payback period of solar PV-electric systems is high, as well as those of solar space heating or solar cooling (only the solar domestic hot-water heating payback is short or relatively short).
• Solar water heating does not support a direct combination with radiators (including baseboard ones).
• Some air cooling (solar space heating and the solar cooling systems) are very pricey and rather untested technologies: Solar AC hasn’t been a truly economical option, though it’s changing.
• The efficiency of solar powered systems is rather influenced by sunlight resources. It’s in colder climates, where heating or electricity needs are higher, that the efficiency is smaller.

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As “going green” becomes more popular, it’s opponents have also become more vocal. One frequent criticism levied is that going green is just too expensive. And in this economic climate, who has the luxury of spending more money just to feel good about helping the earth? Jennifer over at Growing A Green Family offers an excellent rebuttal. She points point out that going green is actually not an expensive proposition, and it’s mostly all in the attitude.

• It’s not about what you buy. If you choose to go green through consumption, it will always be more expensive.
• Learn to budget! When you know what things really cost, you can make wiser green choices.
• Avoid greenwashing and educate yourself about what is truly green and not.
• Decide what is important to you. Growing A Green Family offers up the example of people claiming they can’t afford organic food, but then go on a costly vacation. Life is all about choices, and if living a green lifestyle is important to you, it can be done, though perhaps not without some sacrifice.

Please check out the post for more information. And tell us in the comments–what’s important to you when it comes to green living?

Photo courtesy of thinkpanama on Flickr

True, there is always a lot of hype around Earth Day, and we are reminded of how as a society we are not the best stewards for Mother Earth.  But we are getting better, and more important, we are getting more comfortable with the idea of innovation that will make us more green and ultimately save some green, too.  Here are some thoughts and things to consider for your home, whether you are building a new one or remodeling the one you have.

Wind power:

There is now a residential wind turbine that is 6 feet in diameter and can supply 20 percent of the energy your home needs and installed it costs less than $10,000.  Yes it will look like you put a pinwheel on your house, but trust me: This is going to be the next hot green item coming to a neighborhood near you.

Solar power:

Innovations in solar roofing tiles that convert more energy from the sun and double as your actual shingle are already available.  But the cost keeps coming down and aesthetically it is getting harder and harder to tell the difference from a typical roofing material.  The cost to install a system like this on average, about $25,000, but the tax credits on both wind and solar can be up to 50 percent depending on where you live.

On-demand water heaters:

Once brushed off by tank water-heater makers as unproven technology for the U.S. (now all of them have one), the acceptance of these products is growing every single day.  With unlimited hot water, zero energy wasted for stand-by storage, and tax credits to boot.  This is your next heater and potentially your last one, as well.

CFLs, sure — but LED is where it is going:

Just as we got comfortable with CFLs and the makers produced similar looking bulbs to standard incandescent, the LED bulbs are poised to take over lighting our homes. They are not there yet — they’re mostly directional, limited products that dim, and the light color, though better, is not perfect.  They will be the dominant light source in the next ten years.

With so many options and manufacturers all you need to do is some research and commit to doing something green for your home. It’s all up to you.

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“Off the grid.” The phrase brings to mind quite a few things. For some people, it brings to mind survivalists living in mountain cabins. For others, it’s a way to lessen their impact on the earth.

Here’s a real-life example of an “off the grid” house” (Inhabitat via World Architecture News).

Known as the Cliff House, this Ontario house by Altius Architecture is designed to blend in with the landscape. It’s built into a cliff overlooking a lake and self-sufficiency was the goal from the beginning.

Stone, wood and large expanses of windows make the Cliff House beautiful. But this house has more than just a pretty face. To make it off the grid and sustainable, the house also features:

• A “green” roof to control temperature and runoff
• The house was built to take advantage of solar power
• Contra-flow masonry heaters the provide powerful supplemental heat
• Tube solar collectors heat the house’s water
• Photovoltaic panels and battery banks give the house electricity

It’s an altogether impressive package! What can you do to go “off the grid”?

Photos courtesy of Altius Architecture.

We recently wrote a piece titled “Green products or Greenwashed” that shared some resources to help you investigate whether a product that makes claims of environmental friendliness is really as friendly as the manufacturer wants you to think. Cleaning products are one realm that’s full of products carrying eco-friendly claims, but even if a product is actually “green,” there’s another important factor to consider: Does it work?

The Web is full of reviews of these green cleaning products, so a few Google searches will likely help you track down what you’re looking for. You’d probably do well to check out certain well-known and trusted resources for all things “green,” like Inhabitat, Re-Nest and other popular Web sites.

A pair of writers for AssociatedContent.com dug deep into the range of cleaning products offered by Method and Seventh Generation. Remember, too, that “green cleaning products” aren’t limited to eco-friendly brands like Method or Seventh Generation. It can also include items like vinegar or boric acid. Grist.com offers a round-up of cleaners ranging from baking soda to brands like Mrs. Meyer’s.

So while sites like Good Guide can help you determine how environmentally (and socially) responsible a company or product is, it’ll take a bit of extra digging — or just your own trial and error — to determine what will get the job done.

It’s pretty clear to even a casual observer that “green” is king. Wherever you turn, it seems everyone in the home building, remodeling, home improvement, design, architecture and even political worlds is talking about energy efficiency and sustainability.

But sometimes, those claims of environmental friendliness aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Some claims are simply misleading, while others don’t take into consideration the bigger picture — like a product’s distribution process or the operation of a manufacturing plant.

Fortunately, a variety of resources on the Web can help inform consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact and safety of the products they’re buying.

Good Guide rates food items and other household products for three factors: health, environment and societal impact (which means they’re looking for more than just “green”). BuyGreen lets people shop for several consumer and commercial products that they’ve identified as environmentally friendly. The Greenwashing Index analyzes advertisements and judges the authenticity (or bogusness) of green claims.

An article from Metropolis magazine asked a panel of architects for their thoughts on what makes a product sustainable. Their answers demonstrate the all-encompassing nature of green:

What makes a product sustainable?

MARTINKUS: Number one on my list is classic design and quality construction. Something that is well designed, something that’s timeless and not trendy, is something you keep for decades. Or if you don’t keep it, it can be sold or donated so that some-one else can reuse it.

LEISEROWITZ: We look at the entire life cycle of the product. That means taking into account everything from extraction or harvesting to manufacture, transport, and installation. But it doesn’t stop there. We also consider the footprint associated with maintaining products and then deconstructing them at the end of their useful life.

CLARK JANSEN: Sustainability encompasses social as well as environmental factors. I avoid using products that may be made using questionable labor practices or in conditions that are hazardous to workers. If a product and its manufacture are contributing positively to a community, that’s ideal.

RUNNING: In very simple terms: product + application + intended lifespan = level of sustainability.

With an array of long-lasting, well-built, ENERGY STAR-certified products; a variety of waste-reduction and forestry-management processes; involvement in several environmentally focused organizations; and a couple of nice green-related awards, we think Marvin’s green efforts hold up rather well.

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Lou Manfredini reports from the show floor at IBS on Wednesday, “Green Day.” Sponsored by Marvin Windows, the day is focused on a number of sustainability and efficiency-related topics.

Lou shows us a residential wind turbine from Windtronics as well as GAF’s reflective shingles and ventilation systems for cooling your roof — thereby reducing cooling costs and energy use on warm days.

Lou spoke with Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, about products builders can use to improve a home’s energy efficiency and Michael Still of Marvin Windows and Doors about SFI and FSC certification. These “green” certification programs ensure that products add value to your home and are healthy for the environment.

The New York Times recently featured an Alaskan couple living in a yurt (a Mongolian tent) in their Home & Garden section. This couple’s commitment to living a sustainable lifestyle might be extreme, but it is admirable.

Many aspects of their life, such as lack of running water or central heat, make it seem downright old-fashioned. But there are a lot of modern touches: unlike traditional yurts, which are made with wool, their yurt is made of Duro-Last with Tyvek insulation. There’s also Broadband Internet access, which brings this lifestyle into the modern era.

What’s important to you? If you want to live a sustainable lifestyle, how far will you go? What will you give up? What can’t you live without? What makes your life more pleasant, but isn’t totally necessary?

We may not all decide to live in yurts, but if we are strategic about greening our homes, we can live more sustainable lifestyles.

Photo of a traditional yurt courtesy of dwrawlinson on Flickr.

The carbon footprint of a winter getaway is one that often goes unnoticed. But even if fuel (car, plane or otherwise) were the only factor – and that’s far from true – the impact would warrant some attention. So why not try greening your getaway?

Lodging

As you plan your green vacation, consider your accommodations first. Many hotels and resorts work hard to achieve some form of “green certification.” Frankly, it’s in their best interest to be environmentally friendly because they, as a business, can enjoy the same kind of dollar savings as you do in your home by being green.

Look for hotels that have been built or remodeled using recycled materials, used eco-sensitive site selection or site clearing practices, or hotels that encourage their guests to conserve water by reusing linens and towels. There are many different criteria a hotel needs to meet to be considered green, here’s a site that can help you sort out some of the different types of accommodations and help you determine whether they meet your travel criteria.

But before you leave…

Before you even leave on your vacation you can start earning “green cred” by taking steps in your home to cut down energy usage while you’re away. Start with your thermostat. While you’re away, is there any reason to keep your home heated to your comfort level? Turn your thermostat down to a level that is acceptable to simply sustain your home before you go. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can manipulate the temperature during selected parts of the day and allow the warmth of the sun to filter through and heat your home when it is able.

Another often overlooked creature comfort is hot water. While you’re enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean waters, you don’t need the water in your home to be kept at a constant 120 degrees. In most newer, gas-powered water heaters, there is a “vacation” setting designed to be used for these occasions. If that setting doesn’t exist, you can switch to the “pilot” setting. If you have an electric water heater, you can throw the breaker switch before you leave.

Finally, unplug any non-essential appliances. Most appliances continue to draw energy even when they’re not running, especially large televisions and computers. The only appliances that would need power while you’re away are lights outfitted with timers that might come on as part of your security plan.

Road trips

For many, the current recession has changed the way they travel, with “staycations” replacing “vacations.” A staycation is a trip that involves traveling less than 300 miles or even staying at home. If you’re considering a staycation and need to know how to keep it green, start with this: The most important consideration is your vehicle. Before you leave, be sure to get the car tuned up. An oil change, proper inflation in your tires, and new air filter – all of these elements play a role in determining your gas mileage and energy usage. If your everyday car isn’t as mileage friendly as you would like, you may also consider renting a more eco-friendly vehicle like a hybrid.

Also, as your travels begin, watch your right foot to make sure it’s keeping you green. For every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60, you spend an extra 24 cents per gallon in extra gas. Do the math over the course of a decent-length road trip and your lead foot could cost you some serious dollars – and pump out some serious carbon.

Finally, turn right. Yes, right. Avoiding left-hand turns means less idling, more moving and less fuel usage. UPS, which knows a thing or two about transportation costs, has practiced this technique for years, and according to estimates they saved more than 3 million gallons of fuel in 2007 and reduced the C02 emissions of their vehicles by the equivalent of taking 5,300 cars off the road. Take a look at some of these quick tips for driving more efficiently.

Be smart when you’re there

Once you arrive at your destination, there are a myriad of ways you can go green. Park your car in the hotel ramp and take public transportation. If it’s good enough for the residents of the city, it should be good enough for you. Plus, you’ll seriously minimize your chances of getting lost. It’s a lot easier to read a map when someone else is driving.

Also, be a conscientious traveler. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you should stop doing the smart things you do. Take care to recycle rather than tossing cans, plastic and glass into the trash. Finally, don’t be intimidated by the prospects of arranging an eco-friendly vacation. A simple Web search for green or eco-friendly vacations will return a plethora of options and ideas for your next trip. Here’s a great starting point for making those plans!

Photo courtesy of muha on Flickr