John McCloy – Green Coast https://greencoast.org Renewable Energy and Green Living Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:19:28 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://greencoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/green-coast-favicon.jpg John McCloy – Green Coast https://greencoast.org 32 32 70 Electricity Puns You’ll Love to Read (Jokes & One-Liners) https://greencoast.org/electricity-puns/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:43:00 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=4010 If you thought electricity couldn’t be fun, think again. Here is a list of electricity puns that will make your day.

70 of the best electricity puns & jokes

Here is a list of the best jokes about electricity.

Funny electrical jokes

Although we take electricity as an all-serious affair, there are numerous jokes about electricity that are really rib-cracking. Some of these jokes include:

funny electrical jokes

1. “What do electricians chant when they meditate?”

2. “My wife said to me that the spark between us had gone. So, I tasered her, and I’ll ask her again when she wakes up.”

3. “A superconductor walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Get out! We don’t serve your kind here.”

4. “My electrician friend accidentally blew the power to the ice-making factory. Now they’ve gone into liquidation.”

5. “I finally managed to get rid of that nasty electrical charge I’ve been carrying. I’m ex-static!”

6. “What kind of car does an electrician drive? A Volts-wagon.”

7. “What is an electrician’s favorite flavor of ice cream? Shock-a-lot.”

8. “Just opened my water bill and my electricity bill at the same time… I was shocked.”

9. “A dangerous surge of electricity walks into a bar. The barman says, “Why the long phase?”

10. “A sweater I bought was picking up static electricity. So, I returned it to the store. They gave me another one free of charge.”

11. “People asked me how it feels when you stick your finger in an electrical outlet? To be honest, it Hertz.”

12. “What is the difference between lightning and electricity. For electricity, you need to pay, but lightning kills for free.”

13. “I caught my friend harassing some electricity. I told him it was an abuse of power.”

14. “You’re a unit of electrical energy, Harry.” “I’m a watt?”

15. “A wind turbine saw a solar panel at an energy convention. He leaned in and shouted, “Hey, I’m a big fan!”

One-liner electric puns

If you are not a fan of reading through long texts, this is your section. These short electricity puns will make that face to light up.

one-liner electric puns

16. “The superconductor left without resistance.”

17. “If you plant a light bulb in your garden, does it grow into a power plant?”

18. “Where do electricians get their supplies? The Ohm Depot.”

19. “I finally managed to get rid of that nasty electrical charge I’ve been carrying. I’m ex-static!”

20. “What do you call a bad electrician? A shock absorber!”

21. “The guy who got arrested for eating batteries…. He is to be charged in the morning.”

22. “Why are the electricians always up to date? Because they are ‘current specialists.”

23. “I can’t afford to pay for electricity anymore; these are some dark times.”

24. “Even the most intelligent people can’t survive a day without electricity, like Stephen Hawking.”

25. “I really have to force myself to get through this book on friction.”

26. “Electric razors are the best thing since sliced beard.”

27. “Why did the electrician marry his colleague? He couldn’t resistor.”

Funny electrical questions and answers

funny electrical questions and answers

27. “What is a Jedi electrician’s favorite tool? His lightsaber”

28. “Why did the electrical cords break up? There was no spark between them.”

29. “What did Communists use to light their houses before candles? Electricity.”

30. “What would a barefoot man get if he stepped on an electric fence? A pair of shocks.”

31. “Why did the man eat the light bulb? He was hoping it would give him a bright idea.”

32. “What penalty in hockey uses the most amount of energy? A power play.”

33. “Why are environmentalists attracted to electricity? It’s natural.”

34. “What is the energy provider’s favorite dance? The electric slide.”

35. “Why did the light bulb fail his math quiz? He wasn’t too bright.”

36. “What football team do energy providers root for the most? The Chargers.”

37. “Why did the monk meditate with a light bulb? He hoped it would help him to reach enlightenment.”

38. “What do power strips always say at their high school reunions? I haven’t seen you in light-years.

39. “Where do light bulbs go shopping? The outlet stores.”

40. “What kind of plant generates the most energy? A power plant.”

41. “Why is wind power popular? Because it has a lot of fans!”

42. “What did the light bulb say to the generator? ‘I really get a charge out of you!”

43. “What do you call a worm that chews up power cords? An electro-maggot.”

44. “Why did the lights go out? Because they liked each other!”

45. “Why do fluorescent lights hum? Because they can’t remember the words.”

46. “What did the light bulb say to the electric generator? You spark up my life!”

47. “What would you call a power failure? A current event.”

Physics electricity puns

physics electricity puns

48. “My physics teacher said I had potential; then he pushed me off a building.”

49. “What do you call when a metal shares the negative energy to his non-metal best friend? Anionic bonding moment.”

50. “My physics teacher told me I had so much potential, so much energy. Then I fell down the stairs and lost it all.”

51. “A photon checks into a hotel when the bellhop asks, ‘Would you like help with your luggage?’ The photon replies, “I don’t have any. I always travel light.”

52. “You must have a charge because I am finding myself feeling very attracted to you.”

53. “Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under a tree one fine day, trying to figure out how gravity works. And then it hit him.”

54. “A neutron walks into a bar and asks, ‘How much for a drink?’ The bartender replies, “For you, no charge.”

55. “What happens when electrons lose their energy? They get Bohr’ed.”

56. “Why can’t you trust an atom? They make up everything.”

57. “I’m hung like a Foucault pendulum.”

58. “I really have to force myself to get through this book on friction.”

59. “You are like an electron, and I am like a proton. And they say that opposites attract.”

60. “I was sacked from my job as an electrician at the prison service for refusing to repair an electric chair. I told them it was a death trap.”

61. This electrician arrives home at 3 am. His wife asks him, “Wire you, insulate?” He replies, “Watt’s it to you? I’m Ohm, aren’t I?”

62. What is the difference between lightning and electricity? For electricity, you need to pay, but lightning kills for free.

Kinetic energy puns

kinetic energy puns

63. “Let’s convert our potential energy into kinetic energy.”

64. “I had to create a report on how wind energy is produced. It was a breeze.”

65. “In my Science class, we were talking about Kinetic and Potential Energy. I said out loud, ‘No wonder my mom calls me Kinetic.’ Because I have no Potential.”

66. “Don’t kill your wife with work. Let the electricity do it.”

67. “If there was no gravity on this planet, I would still fall for you.”

68. “My tight-fisted neighbor doesn’t want to pay for an electrician to re-wire his house, so he’s going to try and do it himself. ‘How hard can it be?’ he said. I think he’s in for a shock.”

Story-based electricity puns

69. An engineer, a physicist, a mathematician, and a mystic were asked to name the greatest invention of all times.

The engineer chose a fire, which gave humanity power over matter.

The physicist chose the wheel, which gave humanity the power over space.

The mathematician chose the alphabet, which gave humanity power over symbols.

The mystic chose the thermos bottle.

“Why a thermos bottle?” the others asked.

“Because the thermos keeps hot liquids hot in winter and cold liquids cold in summer.”

“Yes — so what?”

“Think about it.” said the mystic reverently. That little bottle — how does it know?’”

The electrician replies, ”Funny, when I was an attorney, I didn’t either!”

thunderbolt icons

70. A chemist, a biologist, and an electrical engineer had all been sentenced to death and were on death row waiting to go to the electric chair.

Finally, the day had arrived. The chemist was due to go first.

As he strapped him in, the executioner asked him, “Do you have anything you want to say?”

The chemist replied, “No,” so the executioner flicked the switch, but nothing happened. According to this State’s law, if an execution attempt fails, the prisoner has to be released. So, the chemist was unstrapped and allowed to walk free.

It was the biologist’s turn next.

As he was being strapped in, the executioner asked him, “Do you have anything you want to say?”

The biologist replied, “No, just get on with it,” so the executioner flicked the switch, but once again, nothing happened. So, just like the chemist, the biologist was released.

Then the electrical engineer was brought forward.

The executioner asked him, “Do you have anything you want to say?”

The engineer replied, “Yes. If you swap the red and the blue wires over, you might just make this thing work.”

Like these puns and jokes? Check out our interesting facts about electricity to help spur your knowledge.

Do you know any good electricity puns?

Electricity matters don’t have to be all about serious warnings and shock alerts. You can be shocked at how interesting and humorous it can become sometimes.

I hope that this list of electricity puns, put a smile on your face at least, if not total laughter.

What other funny electricity puns can you think of? Kindly share it with us below.

]]>
64 Best Quotes About Sustainability (Including Inspiring, Funny & Short) https://greencoast.org/quotes-about-sustainability/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:51:00 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=3634 Did you know that sustainable development is the only way we can guarantee life for future generations? Well, these quotes on sustainable development will shed more light on that.

Our environment is all we have. If we don’t take care of it who will? The following quotes on sustainable development are some of the many ways that we can learn and understand the importance of sustainable development.

I have compiled a list of the best quotes on sustainability to help us understand better the whole concept.

64+ quotes about sustainability

Let’s get into our list of quotes about sustainability and sustainable development. We will break out the quotes into the following categories: famous quotes, food sustainability quotes, hard-facts quotes, inspiring quotes and short quotes.

This will help you find your favorite quotes to live by and use to continually improve your sustainability efforts.

Famous quotes about sustainability

Daisaku Ikeda quote about sustainability

1. “The best way to predict future is to create it.”

– Peter Drucker

2. “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

– Gro Harlem Brundtland

3. “Sustainability is a political choice, not a technical one. It’s not a question of whether we can be sustainable, but whether we choose to be.”

– Gary Lawrence

4. “There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.”

– Paul McCartney

5. “Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people.”
– Kofi Annan

6. “No matter how complex global problems may seem, it is we ourselves who have given rise to them. They cannot be beyond our power to resolve.”

– Daisaku Ikeda

7. “The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the bedrock of our enterprise for a sustainable world.”

– Indian Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

8. “How long can men thrive between walls of brick, walking on asphalt pavements, breathing the fumes of coal and of oil, growing, working, dying, with hardly a thought of wind, and sky, and fields of grain, seeing only machine-made beauty, the mineral-like quality of life?”

– Charles A. Lindbergh

9. “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.”

– Paul Hawken

10. “Without environmental sustainability, economic stability and social cohesion cannot be achieved.”

– Phil Harding

Inspiring sustainability quotes

Here is a list of some inspirational quotes on how to adopt sustainable development.

Jean-Paul Richter quote about sustainability

11. “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

– Edmund Burke

12. “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

– R. Buckminster Fuller

13. “Our ancestors did great work for humanity. What will we do for the next generations?”

– Lailah Gifty Akita

14. “Real human beings take precedence over partisan interests; however, legitimate the latter may be.”

– Pope Francis

15. “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

– Howard Zinn

16. “Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.”

– Jean-Paul Richter

17. “Building a world where we meet our own needs without denying future generations a healthy society is not impossible, as some would assert. The question is where societies choose to put their creative efforts.”
– Christopher Flavin

18. “We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present.”

– Adlai E. Stevenson

19. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

20. “The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.”

– Ross Perot

21. “The sustainability revolution will, hopefully, be the third major social and economic turning point in human history, following the Neolithic Revolution – moving from hunter-gathering to farming – and the Industrial Revolution.”

– Prince Charles

Quotes about sustainable food

If we negatively impact nature, water and food are some of nature’s gifts that will become a luxury. If we can’t take care of nature, nature can’t take care of us.

Jacques Barzun quote about sustainability

22. “Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.”

– Stewart Udall

23. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

24. “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.”

– Thomas Fuller

25. “Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.”

– Cree Indian Proverb

26. “Forests and meat animals compete for the same land. The prodigious appetite of the affluent nations for meat means that agribusiness can pay more than those who want to preserve or restore the forest. We are, quite literally, gambling with the future of our planet – for the sake of hamburgers.”
– Peter Singer

27. “If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age.”

– Jacques Barzun

28. “Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air and drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.”

– Carl Sagan

29. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

– J.R.R. Tolkien

See Related: Caring for the Environment – Why It Matters

Hard-facts quotes on sustainable development

Sometimes it is not enough to just inspire people; giving them the hard facts, is some instances the best way. These are quotes on sustainable development that will help us be prudent when making some decisions.

Mahatma Gandhi quote about sustainability

30. “The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function.”

– Albert A. Bartlett

31. “Global warming will not end by Earth finding shade under the trees but under our hands joined together.”

– Agona Apell

32. “What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

33. “21st Century choice: Look after our planet, and it will look after us, or don’t and face the consequences.”

– Phil Harding

34. “An act of violence against nature should be judged as severely as that against society or another person.”

– Dr. Michael W.Fox

35. “It angers me when sustainability gets used as a buzz word. For 90 percent of the world, sustainability is a matter of survival.”
– Cameron Sinclair

36. “In America today, you can murder land for private profit. You can leave the corpse for all to see, and nobody calls the cops.”

– Paul Brooks

37. “People ‘over-produce’ pollution because they are not paying for the costs of dealing with it.”

– Ha-Joon Chang

38. “Because we don’t think about future generations, they will never forget us.”

– Henrik Tikkanen

39. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

40. “Sustainable development is a fundamental break that’s going to reshuffle the entire deck. There are companies today that are going to dominate in the future simply because they understand that.”

– Francois-Henri Pinault

Funny sustainability quotes

Although these sustainability quotes may sound humorous, they are as serious as the lack of water can be to our environment. They intend to help us see the sarcasm in what we do in the name of development.

W. H. Auden quote about sustainability

41. “Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge.”

– Thomas Edison

42. “It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”

– Ansel Adams

43. “Our life is frittered away by detail…Simplify, simplify, simplify! Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose.”

– Henry Thoreau

44. “The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.”

– Ayn Rand

45. “Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites.”
– William Ruckelshaus

46. “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”

– W. H. Auden

47. “Sustainable Development is more than meeting the needs of today and future generations; to my understanding, this definition better fits the sex industry.”

– M.F. Moonzajer

48. “It is not reasonable that art should win the place of honor over our great and powerful mother nature. We have so overloaded the beauty and richness of her works by our inventions that we have quite smothered her.”

– Michel de Montaigne, Cannibales

49. “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman of the next generation.”

– James Freeman Clarke

Short sustainability quotes

Henry David Thoreau quote about sustainability

50. “There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.”

– Marshall McLuhan

51. “Sustainability is here to stay, or we may not be.”

– Niall FitzGerald

52. “We have a duty to care for the environment.”

– Lailah Gifty Akita

53. “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.”

– Aldo Leopold

54. “We can never have enough of Nature.”

– Henry David Thoreau

55. “We can’t just consume our way to a more sustainable world.”

– Jennifer Nini

56. “He that plants trees love others besides himself.”
– Thomas Fuller

57. “When the soil disappears, the soul disappears.”

– Ymber Delecto

58. “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”

– Albert Einstein

59. “Consume less; share better.”

– Hervé Kempf

60. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

– Robert Swan

61. “Treat the Earth as though we intend to stay here.”

– Crispin Tickell

62. “One planet, one experiment.”

– E. O. Wilson

63. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

– Robert Swan

64. “Ownership is a sine qua non of sustainable development.”

– James Wolfensohn

Want more quotes like these? Check out our list of quotes on climate change.

]]>
Solar Battery Charging Basics: How Solar Panels Charge A Battery https://greencoast.org/solar-battery-charging-basics/ https://greencoast.org/solar-battery-charging-basics/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2023 23:02:00 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1468 Use these solar battery charging basics to understand how you can use a solar panel to charge a battery.

When trying to solar charge batteries, it is essential first to understand the several steps involved and the essential components that must also be there for the charging process to occur.

Main Stages Involved in Charging a Solar Battery

Here are the four main stages involved in solar battery charging basics that one needs to comprehend when charging batteries using solar energy:

1. The Bulk phase (first stage)

The bulk phase is primarily the initial stage of charging a battery using solar energy. This first stage starts when the sun shines or when the generator is turned on.

The bulk phase will initiate when the battery reaches a low-charge stage, and that is usually when the charge is below 80%.

In this stage, the solar panel puts into the cell as much amperage as possible. The voltage in the batteries rises gradually as they absorb the electricity.

See Related: DIY Solar Generator Guide

2. Absorb Stage (second stage)

The second stage of battery charging is known as the absorb stage. This stage is achieved when the batteries reach a charge of 14.4 to 14.8 volts or when the charge level is between 80 to 90% full.

Primarily, when the batteries reach this charge percentage, it enters into the absorb stage which also depends on the charge rate.

The above charge rate is basically for lead-acid batteries. The second stage halts as soon as the number of amps entering the batteries reaches a certain number that is pre-set or the programmed time elapses.

3. The Float stage (third stage)

The third stage comes immediately after the absorb stage. This stage is initiated when the charge controller lowers the voltage to a specific pre-set value. The float stage is achieved when the batteries reach a charge level of 100%. It is essential for you to know how to program your controller well.

4. The Equalization stage (fourth stage)

The final stage or the Equalization stage is a controlled overcharge stage which is done periodically.

The process of charging batteries using solar energy or the photovoltaic is different from using the mains power and needs to be approached differently. The difference occurs since the initial energy from the sun is not always available, or it comes in fewer amounts than the required.

The low costs of photovoltaic solar modules and its increasing efficiency are increasing the demand for this kind of renewable energy.

Components to a Solar Charging System

Some of the vital components of a solar charging system include:

1. Solar Panels

One of the essential components of the solar charging system is the solar panel. A solar panel is a device that is designed to absorb sunlight to generate electricity or heating power. It is the component that helps collect energy from direct sunlight and then converts it into electricity.

There are several types of solar panels. The three most common types are Monocrystalline cells, polycrystalline cells and amorphous or thin-film solar cell. It is essential to understand the basic features including the watts, cost and space you require before you decide the one to pick.

Here is help on how to build your own solar system.

2. Solar Charge Controller

The solar power generated by the solar panel is received by the solar charge controller. A solar charge controller is a component that helps manage the power that is going into the battery store from the solar panel.

It safeguards the deep cycle batteries from being overcharged during the day. It also ensures that power does not go back towards the solar panels overnight which can drain the batteries.

Solar charge controllers’ primary function is to manage power, but it may offer additional capabilities including load control and lighting. Thus, when the solar charge controller receives the solar supply, it then regulates the electricity and current directed to the batteries to ensure proper battery charging occurs.

A quality photovoltaic charge controller must have the pre-defined charge modes suit for each type of battery including flooded lead acid or AGM. It is vital to ensure that the input current and maximum voltage ratings are higher than the output of the solar array feeding it when selecting a solar charge controller.

There are numerous charge controller options to choose from including professionally configured solar panel or the charge controller kits that can help ensure that your components will work well together.

When charging batteries with solar energy, one should use a controller when the rated amperage of the solar panel is above 1% of the battery capacity. It is essentially the rule of the thumb for this procedure.

There are two main types of controllers in the market which include on/off and Pulse Width Module (PWM).

The On/off controller switches the power from solar panel off when the voltage of the battery reaches a preset level. It also turns it on when the voltage drops.

PWM controller is different as it allows the voltage to continually rise and then maintain it at a level that is high but steady.

3. Power Inverter

Another vital element is the power inverter. A power inverter is an electrical apparatus that helps convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

It is not part of the solar charging system but a primary add-on element that changes 12 v DC power to 120 v AC to power AC components and channels in your RV.

4. 12 Volt Battery Bank

The battery acts as a storage bank for the power generated from the solar panels. The cells can either be 12 v or 6 v deep cycle batteries provided that the output is 12 volts.

5. Battery Monitoring System

Another optional piece of equipment is the battery monitoring system. The battery monitoring system monitors functions involving battery voltage measurement, load activity and charge status.

It also controls the charging and discharging processes of the battery to prevent it from over-charging or under-charging to increase its shelf life.

6. Wiring

Copper wiring is another crucial element. Be sure to have copper wires with different thicknesses that help you connect the solar panels, batteries, charge controller, and an inverter.

7. Cutoff Switches

Cutoff switches are connected between various components to disconnect the elements for safety and maintenance reasons effortlessly.

8. Fuses

The last but not the least components are high amperage fuses of between 100 Amp and 250 Amp. The fuses are required to prevent electrical faults and component damage and are usually placed between the battery and the inverter connections.

Now you know how a solar system works to charge a battery

Solar battery charging basics are essential to anyone using solar energy system to help them understand how to use a solar panel to charge a battery. I hope this article has offered you valuable solar battery charging basics insights.

What do you think of our solar battery charging basics and instructions? Please let us know if you found our definition helpful.

]]>
https://greencoast.org/solar-battery-charging-basics/feed/ 1
Facts About Anaerobic Digesters: What are the Pros & Cons? https://greencoast.org/facts-about-anaerobic-digesters/ https://greencoast.org/facts-about-anaerobic-digesters/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:35:00 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1302 A number of people don’t realize the benefits and downsides of anaerobic digesters. Here is an overview of the anaerobic digestion process, which includes key facts about anaerobic digesters.

With the world so eager to move from non-renewable energy sources to clean and green energy sources, anaerobic digestion has become one of the main areas that many countries are focusing.

Before we explore the various pros and cons of anaerobic digestors, let’s first define what it means and highlight a few facts about anaerobic digesters.

What is anaerobic digestion?

Anaerobic Digestion is the process of treating organic waste and involves a series of biological processes in which organic waste is broken down using microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. The end product of the process is Biogas, which is a methane-rich gas.

Once the biogas is cleaned, it is taken to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, where it is used to generate renewable energy.

The byproduct of the process is often used as fertilizer. The whole process of anaerobic bio-digestion takes place in a tank called the Anaerobic Biodigester.

A biodigester breaks down organic matter using bacteria and in the absence of oxygen to capture methane gas released by the bacteria in the process.  Methane, which is the main chemical in natural gas, is trapped and can then be burned for heating and electricity.

One of the commonly known types of the digester is called a “wet biodigester”. They are used on farms around the world to digest liquefied manure. The anaerobic digestor process is similar to compostable organic matter. The output is just gas that can be used for power.

Facts About Anaerobic Digestors

Many people use wet digesters to produce methane from manure which is then used to light their stoves and other appliances. Here are some few facts about anaerobic digesters

  • The digester disinfects the feedstock/ waste which goes through it, as long as the temperature is maintained above a required level for a pre-defined period.
  • One of the most impressive facts about anaerobic digestor is that it produces gas, liquid and fibrous fertilizers which are very beneficial.
  • It reduces the odor levels if run efficiently.

Here are advantages and disadvantages of anaerobic digesters:

Pros of anaerobic digesters

Here are some of the advantages to anaerobic digesters.

1. Consistent supply of power

One of the major pros of anaerobic digesters is that it can offer a constant power supply to the universe. Since there is a continuous production of the waste materials used for the digestion process, anaerobic digestion can ensure a steady source of electricity generation.

For instance, every cow is estimated to produce 2kwh – 3kwh of electricity daily, which in turn can be sent to the electricity grid. Anaerobic digestion also generates renewable energy that is in the form of biogas. These biogases will likely qualify for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs).

2. Renewable

Another advantage of anaerobic digestion is that it is a renewable source of energy since waste products from animals and humans are produced continually, and unlike non-renewable energy, it does not exploit natural resources.

The resources used provide a steady stream of inputs into the digesters.

See Related: 10 Biggest Pros and Cons of Nonrenewable Energy

3. Valuable by-products

Anaerobic digestion offers beneficial by-products. The by-products released in the process, which includes compost and fertilizer, can further be used in farms. The by-products can thus be used to create an additional stream of revenue. The liquid digestate that is produced in the process is a form of a fertilizer which is better in many ways than the standard chemical fertilizers.

Due to its high fiber content and the separated solids (ADS), it can also be sold as a horticultural potting mix or used as livestock bedding. The process produces both liquid and fibrous fertilizers which can be used in the farms or sold to create more income.

The effect of the compost is longer lasting than for untreated organic waste.

4. Odor reduction

Long-term exposure to pollution in the air can result in health complications and even death. The use of the waste products from the farms in the anaerobic digesters reduces the amount of odor that would otherwise be present if the wastes were left exposed to the environment. The anaerobic digestion process reduces smell to levels below unprocessed waste odor levels.

5. Improved water quality

Another advantage is that the process of anaerobic digestion helps to remove phosphorous and other metals from the waste products, which would otherwise contaminate water supplies if left unattended.

Passing the wastes through the digesters thus ensures an improved quality of water supplies.

6. Greenhouse gases reduction

A primary reason the world is moving from the use of the non-renewable sources of energy is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer and expose the world to global warming. Anaerobic biodigester minimizes the amount of GHG gasses released by the farms into the environment by around 66%. The reduction of the gases earns the farm carbon credits which can be sold to generate extra revenue for the farm.

Businesses that are required to pay a carbon levy for their carbon dioxide emissions can also run their biogas plant to help them offset their levy costs against the carbon savings.

Passing the waste materials through a digester reduces pollution to the environment since the waste materials are used as feedstock for digesters. It is less likely to cause air pollution to the environment unlike spreading untreated organic waste in landfills.

Decarbonization is a huge component of the AD movement.

7. Reducing disease-causing pathogens in the manure

One of the most remarkable facts about anaerobic digesters is that the operating temperature of the anaerobic digester systems decreases the number of pathogens in the slurry which may cause diseases to the plants. It is also an advantage of anaerobic digesters.

See Related: Biofuel Pros and Cons Analysis

 Cons of anaerobic digesters

Here are some of the disadvantages to anaerobic digesters.

1. Expensive

Installation costs of the anaerobic digesters can be prohibitive since it requires some massive financing to set it up. The operating expenses and the maintenance cost are also costly which makes it difficult for farmers to acquire.

When anaerobic digestion is complete on a large commercial scale, it can require a high level of investment in large manure tanks and other process containers.

2. Limited to large farms only

The Anaerobic digesters are only economically feasible for larger farms. The EPA recommends that a farm should have at least 300 cows to be able to install and run the system. This limitation makes it difficult for smaller farmers with less number of animals to have these systems.

3. Time-consuming

Another con of anaerobic digesters is that the system operation and maintenance requirements are pretty much needed every day. It is estimated that it takes 30 to 60 minutes daily to ensure the efficient running of the system.

4. High land use

The more significant the amount of biogas you want to produce, the larger the farm you need for a large number of cows and large manure tanks. The residue from the process after manure has completed the digestion cycle, will also require a large chunk of land for storage.

5. Must have a reliable source and the process must run efficiently

The anaerobic digestion process must have a constant source of the raw materials (animal or human wastes) for the anaerobic digestion plant to be successful. It may require a farm to have many different reliable sources of feedstock materials, for example, a few cows.

These sources can be challenging to acquire. If the anaerobic digesters run inefficiently, it can cause odor levels which can be a nuisance.

Wrapping it up

Stimulating facts about anaerobic digestion is that it is a viable source of renewable energy and can serve the world needs for clean and green energy. Different sectors should join hands to create more room for it and to improve this cheap source of renewable energy.

]]>
https://greencoast.org/facts-about-anaerobic-digesters/feed/ 1
The Best Solar Pool Covers For 2025 https://greencoast.org/best-solar-pool-covers/ Fri, 15 Apr 2022 19:15:13 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1016642 As winter starts to turn into spring and the sun starts to show its face again, it’s not uncommon for our eyes to start straying to the pool that’s been languishing under a cover for the past few months. 

The more daring among us will already know that nothing sharpens your desire for a heated pool than jumping into an unheated pool early in the year, or just in a colder climate. 

But before you write off your pool entirely until midsummer, we have good news for you! You can add a little warmth to that water, and extend the working life of your pool, with just the power of the sun.

Want to know how? Well, read on!

The issue with solar pool rings

On the surface of it, solar pool rings seem like the best way to harness the power of solar energy to heat your pool. In a perfect world, these easy-to-use colored vinyl rings can just be floated on the surface of your pool and will trap the heat from the sun in the water below.

Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, they just don’t work. 

The average Olympic swimming pool holds around 2.5 million liters of water. Now admittedly, most of us don’t have an Olympic swimming pool in the backyard, but even 25% of that is close to 600,000 liters of water.

The amount of energy needed to raise that amount of water by even a degree is far beyond the ability of a series of vinyl rings that cost less than $50.

With that in mind, you might be surprised to see us including solar sun rings in our reviews below. We’ve chosen to include them for two reasons. 

Firstly, they are a solar heating option and we want to present the broadest possible range of options, and secondly, there are some smaller edge cases in which they can work, like smaller children’s pools.

However, while we might have included them for the sake of completeness. We certainly don’t recommend them.

The best solar heating options for your pool

There aren’t many solar heating options for your pool. But, the three best ones are:

1. Solar Sun Solar Pool Rings

So, as we’ve already mentioned solar rings aren’t a fantastic option. But, they are a low-cost option and they do work in smaller pools. You can buy them for around $60.

For our money, the Solar Sun Rings are probably the best on the market. Constructed from two layers of U.V. resistant vinyl, they trap the heat from the sun and transmit it into the water.

What makes the Solar Sun Rings stand out from their competitors is its durable U.V. resistant vinyl construction and its unique magnetic closure system. This system ensures that the rings are securely closed and that they won’t come loose when stored away and won’t immediately fly off your pool if the wind picks up.

What we like:

  • Good value – The Solar Sun Rings are good value. They are one of the least expensive pool heating options on the market and they do work in smaller pools.
  • Durable – They are made from durable U.V. resistant vinyl and have a unique magnetic closure system.

What we don’t like:

  • Not super effective – These are inexpensive passive solar heating rings. So don’t expect them to be anywhere near as effective as using a pool heater.

Overall, the Solar Sun Rings are the best option when it comes to solar rings, they’re inexpensive and durable, just don’t expect miracles from them.

2. Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover

Blanket-style solar covers work by trapping the sun’s heat and then transferring it to the pool water.

These solar covers are made of a thick, durable material that is designed to last for years. They also have a blue top surface which helps to increase the amount of heat that is trapped.

They also reduce evaporation, which cuts down on the amount of water you have to pump into your pool, and they keep the pool cleaner by trapping dirt and debris.

The only downside to blanket-style solar covers is that they can be a bit of a pain to put on and take off.

The Sun2Solar cover is a film of thousands of tiny air-filled bubbles that work together to create an insulating layer.

This cover is lightweight so is easy to install and remove and won’t sag in the center. Plus, the Sun2Solar cover comes in a variety of sizes to fit any type of pool.

If you’re looking for an easy way to heat your pool and keep it clean, a solar blanket cover like the Sun2Solar is the way to go.

What we like:

  • Easier to install – Lightweight and reasonably easy to install/remove.
  • Multi-size – Comes in a variety of sizes.

What we don’t like:

  • A little clunky – Can be a bit of a pain to put on and take off, which doesn’t make it that much different from other models and it’s easier to use because of its lighter weight.

More effective and more utilitarian than solar circles, the Sun2Solar solar cover is a great way to heat your pool by a small amount and keep it clean.

3. Noair Heat Squares

Threading the gap between a solar circle and the full solar cover is the Noair Heat Squares. These are basically smaller square covers that join together to make a larger one, and they work in a similar way to the solar rings.

While this might seem a little redundant, it does have a few interesting benefits. Firstly, one of the dangers of a pool cover is that you can get trapped in it and drown. These squares make it much harder to do so.

Secondly, they’re easier to move around and fit into smaller spaces than the circles are. And finally, they’re great if you have an oddly shaped pool that isn’t a square or a rectangle, as you can tile these squares into just about any shape.

Made from durable heavy-duty vinyl, they also have the exclusive No-Lift-Lip to keep the squares from blowing away in windy areas

What we like:

  • Durable – The squares are very durable and heavy-duty.
  • Won’t fly away – They have the exclusive No-Lift-Lip to keep them from blowing away in windy areas.
  • Good for asymmetrical pools – The squares are easy to move around and fit into smaller spaces.

What we don’t like:

  • Difficult to store – The squares do not fold up easily and don’t have the magnetic closure system of the Solar Sun Rings.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to heat your pool by a small amount and keep it clean, the Noair Heat Squares are a good choice, especially if you have an oddly shaped pool.

Eco-friendly pool heating

So there you have it, three solar pool heating options with differing levels of utility based on your needs. For our money, the solar pool cover is the best option for a healthy and eco-friendly swimming experience.

Not only does it keep your pool at a comfortable temperature, but it also helps to reduce evaporation and keeps the water clean.

However, if you have a smaller pool, or an oddly shaped one, you might find the solar rings or solar squares work better for you.

For more eco-friendly pool accessory ideas check our roundup of the best solar pool lights and solar pool heaters.

]]>
The Best Solar Powered Greenhouse Fans for Optimal Plant Growth https://greencoast.org/best-solar-powered-greenhouse-fans/ Thu, 14 Apr 2022 18:31:30 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1016548 Keeping the temperature inside a greenhouse regulated can be a challenge, especially in the summer months or in a hotter climate.

One of the best ways to keep your greenhouse at a constant, optimum temperature in the summer is by using the best solar powered greenhouse fans on the market. Using solar energy means no cabling, no writing, and no additional padding of your electricity bill.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best fans you can buy and how they can help you keep your plants healthy and thriving with just the power of the sun.

While all of the fans we reviewed were excellent, we’ve chosen the ECO-WORTHY Solar Vent Fan as our best-in-show because of its excellent airflow and durability. This fan can be placed in any window or door to help circulate air and keep a greenhouse of up to 1500 cubic feet at a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days.

ECO-WORTHY Solar Vent Fan
Pros:
  • Easy-to-install design
  • Large airflow of more than 1200 CFM
  • Solid, durable motor
Cons:
  • No battery backup

The best solar powered greenhouse fans

To help you pick the right solar-powered fan for your greenhouse, we’ve reviewed some of the top fans on the market and broken down their pros and cons.

1. Top pick: ECO-WORTHY Solar Vent Fan

The 14-inch ECO-WORTHY solar vent fan stands out as our top pick of the best solar powered greenhouse fans because of its fantastic airflow and durability. Able to cool any interior space of up to 1500 cubic feet, this fan provides a large airflow of more than 1200 CFM and its internal motor has a working life of more than 10,000 hours.

The fan is also very easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware, allowing you to get it up and running in minutes. The plug and play connection means you don’t have to wire anything together, just install the fan, place the solar panel, plug in the supplied cable and you’re good to go!

What we like:

  • Easy to install – The fan comes with all the required parts and is simple and easy to install.
  • Large airflow – With an airflow of more than 1200 CFM, this fan is surprisingly powerful.
  • Durable motor – With a working life of 10,000 hours, this fan has a solid and durable motor, which is good because that’s the part most likely to fail due to wear and tear.

What we don’t like:

  • No battery – Because there is no battery backup, the speed at which the fan rotates is based on the available sunlight. This means on overcast days, you might not be getting the full benefit of the fan.

Overall, the ECO-WORTHY solar vent fan is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-install, solar-powered greenhouse fan. With its large airflow and simple, easy-to-install design, it’s a great addition to any greenhouse.

2. Amtrak 50-Watt Solar Fan

Slightly smaller than the ECO-WORTHY at ten inches, the Amtrak makes up for its smaller size through its increased power. The 50-Watt fan covers areas up to 2250 square feet and power is provided by a sealed ball bearing and thermally protected fan motor connected to a high-quality crystalline solar panel.

The galvanized steel fan comes with the required connection brackets and connects to the solar panel with plug-and-play quick-connect wires. All the parts are also covered by a lengthy 25-year warranty.

The only real downside is the circular shape of the fan, which can make it hard to install if you want to create a sealed environment.

What we like:

  • High power – The 50-watt fan provides a lot of coverage
  • Huge warranty – A 25-year warranty is an excellent indication of a company’s faith in its product.
  • Plug-and-play – All you have to do is plug the wires into the back of the solar panel and you’re good to go.

What we don’t like:

  • The shape – Because this fan casing is circular, it could be hard to install, especially if you want to create a sealed environment with no gaps.  

The Amtrak 50-Watt Solar Fan is a solid, well-made product that is perfect for larger greenhouses. Simply connect the wires and you’re good to go!

3. CoolerGuys 10W Solar Powered Dual Fan Kit

At the more diminutive end of the market, this 10-watt model from CoolerGuys is still a powerful little unit that will pull hot air out of your greenhouse with ease. Installation is straightforward, and the fans are whisper-quiet, producing only 34db.

The downside of the smaller motor is that this fan will only cool an enclosure of up to 414 cubic feet, but on the plus side, it is IP67 waterproof, which means it can be exposed to dust and rain without any problems at all.

What we like:

  • Whisper quiet – If you hate fan noise, then this model only produces around 34db of sound, which is very quiet indeed.
  • Compact – The twin fan system and its two small solar panels are very compact, making it ideal for smaller greenhouses.
  • Waterproof – This is the only fan on the list to be IP67 waterproof, which means it is fully sealed to dust and water. 

What we didn’t like:

  • The coverage – 414 cubic feet really isn’t that much space, so it’s important you measure your greenhouse before investing in this fan to avoid disappointment.

Compact and whisper-quiet, the CoolerGuys 10W solar-powered greenhouse fan is perfect for those who are looking for a small and unobtrusive option.

4. Amtrak 70-Watt Solar Fan

Another entry from Amtrak solar, this is the most powerful fan on the list. It’s also one of the more expensive options, but it’s a great choice if you have a larger greenhouse.

Essentially an up-gunned version of the 50-Watt Solar Fan, the 70-Watt comes with all the same benefits, including the plug-and-play quick-connect wiring and the solid 25-year guarantee.

The downside is, of course, the noise. The larger and more powerful the fan, the noisier it is. But, if you’re looking for a larger fan to cover a large greenhouse, this is the most powerful solar-powered greenhouse fan on the list.

What we like:

  • Super powerful – At 70-Watts, this is the ideal fan for a larger greenhouse.
  • Huge warranty – As with the 50-Watt version, a 25-year guarantee is amazing!
  • Quick-connect wiring – As with its smaller sibling, all you need to do is plug the wires into the solar panel and you’re good to go.

What we don’t like:

  • The noise – A larger fan like this is going to kick out a fair amount of noise.

A larger and more powerful version of the 50-Watt Amtrak Solar Greenhouse Fan, this 70-Watt fan is perfect for a larger greenhouse. It’s well-made and comes with a wiring harness and solar panel so you can get started using it right away.

5. Seddex 5W Desktop Solar Fan

If you’d prefer not to have to install anything in your greenhouse, then the freestanding Seddex 5W Solar Fan has you covered.

This diminutive solar-powered fan is an excellent choice for indoor greenhouses or smaller outdoor greenhouses that don’t need a lot of ventilation. That being said, the fan is only 5-Watts and has a four-inch fan blade, so temper your expectations of its performance accordingly.

What we like:

  • Freestanding – You don’t need to worry about installation with this fan.
  • Small – If you’re strapped for space, but still need ventilation, then this is the fan for you.
  • Portable – If you’d rather have a multi-purpose fan that can be moved around or used for multiple purposes, this light and compact model is a good choice.

What we don’t like:

  • The coverage – With just 5-Watts of power and a four-inch fan, this model has minimal coverage, making it suitable for only the smallest growing areas.

If you only need light ventilation for a small space, then this mini solar-powered fan from Seddex is a good option. It’s also one of the most affordable models on our list, coming in at less than $50.

Why should you buy a solar-powered greenhouse fan?

When it comes to buying a solar-powered greenhouse fan, there are a number of benefits to going the renewable energy route including:

No wiring required

If you’d rather not be trailing electrical cables across the garden, then a solar-powered fan is a good option as no wiring is required.

Reduced running costs

Solar energy is free once you’ve invested in the initial setup costs, so you’ll be able to get the ventilation you need without padding your energy bills.

Eco-friendly

Solar power is renewable and emits zero carbon, making it a more eco-friendly option than traditional greenhouse fans.

Greater air circulation

Air circulation in a greenhouse is important for preventing stagnant air and promoting healthy plant growth. Solar-powered fans can help to circulate the air, which makes sure the plants are getting the ventilation they need and the right amount of CO2.

Humidity control

Greenhouses can often be humid places, which can lead to fungal infestations on your plans, or even just damage the structure of your greenhouse, especially if it’s timber-framed. Solar-powered fans can help to ventilate the space and reduce humidity levels, which will help to keep your plants healthy.

Additonal pest control

As well as helping to circulate the air, solar-powered fans can also help to deter pests. By circulating the air, you make it harder for pests to hide and breed in your greenhouse, and by reducing humidity levels, you make it a less hospitable environment for them.

The drawbacks of a solar greenhouse fan

While there are multiple benefits to using a solar-powered greenhouse fan, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Solar fans can be less powerful than mains-powered options, so may not be suitable for larger greenhouses. You can overcome this by using a larger fan, like the Amtrak 70-Watt Solar Fan, or multiple smaller fans. Since they aren’t using your grid electricity, adding more fans doesn’t add to your electricity bills. 
  • Solar fans can be less reliable, as they rely on having enough sunlight to work properly. If you live in an area with lots of cloudy days, a solar greenhouse fan may not be the best option for you. However, you can use a solar power battery to offset this. Solar-powered batteries store the excess energy your solar panel generates on very sunny days and can use it to supplement the power provided by the panel on overcast days or at night.
  • Solar fans can also be more expensive than traditional greenhouse fans, so it’s important to compare prices before making a purchase. This initial higher purchase cost is offset, however, by the fact that they have no running costs.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to ventilate your greenhouse, a solar-powered fan could be the perfect solution, but you need to be realistic about the potential drawbacks.

A few things to consider before you buy a solar-powered fan for your greenhouse

When it comes to buying a fan for your greenhouse, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

Size of the fan

Make sure to choose a fan that’s powerful enough to ventilate your greenhouse adequately. You don’t want it struggling to move air around, especially in summer when temperatures can reach high levels.

Number of vents 

Another thing to consider is how many vents you’ll need to keep your greenhouse at a comfortable temperature. If you have a lot of windows, you might need more than one fan to provide adequate ventilation.

The price of the greenhouse fan 

Solar-powered fans can be a bit more expensive than traditional ones, but they’ll save you money in the long run since they don’t require any electricity to operate.

The number of fans needed for your greenhouse

You might need more than one fan to get the job done, depending on the size of your greenhouse. This is particularly true if you opt for the smaller, less powerful free-standing models.

Positioning of the greenhouse fans

Where you place your fan is important too. Make sure it’s positioned in a way that allows it to draw in fresh air from outside and push hot air out through vents or windows.

Eco-friendly ventilation

Solar-powered fans are an excellent way to ventilate your greenhouse without harming the environment. Not to mention, they’re incredibly cost-effective in the long run!

Solid, durable models like the ECO-WORTHY Solar Vent Fan are definitely worth the investment, as they provide you with no-cost eco-friendly ventilation with no need for any complicated wiring.

So, there you have it! These are just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best solar powered greenhouse fans for your garden. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect model for your needs. Happy gardening!

]]>
The Best Solar Water Pumps: A Guide to Selecting and Installing a Pump https://greencoast.org/best-solar-water-pump/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:51:12 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1014609 If you want to water your garden or fill your pool without needing to pay for electricity (or lay any cable) – a solar water pump is the way to go. They’re an easy way to maintain gardens in areas where there is not enough access to electricity or when traditional electric methods are too expensive. 

Of all the solar water pumps on the market right now, we rate the ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump Kit as the best of the bunch. It’s an out-of-the-box solution, with everything you need to get started. Durable, affordable, and with a high flow rate, it’s sure to get the job done. 

ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump Kit with Battery Backup


Pros:
  • All-in-one kit that includes all needed parts.
  • Designed for use in deep wells.
  • A high flow rate of up to five gallons per minute.
Cons:
  • No separate battery for the controller.
  • The battery and charge controller aren’t waterproof.

While the ECO-WORTHY is definitely the best solar water pump overall, you should also check out the other products in this review. We’ll explore the best solar water pumps on the market, and show you how to pick the right one for you!

Best solar water pumps reviewed

We’ve considered a number of things when researching the best solar water pump – and narrowed each product choice down by some specific criteria. We’ve looked at the standout features, considered customer reviews, and also tried to provide the best use case for each product that made the cut. 

1. Best overall – ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump Kit with Battery Backup

We’ve chosen the ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump as the best solar water pump on our list, because it has the largest range of accessories and features, such as a battery backup.

This pump kit has all the accessories you need to get started, including a submersible pump, battery backup, set of pipes, and connectors.

The kit is designed for deep wells (up to 100 feet) with up to five gallons per minute flow rate. The solar panel has a maximum power point voltage of 18V and the batteries have an hour rating of six hours at a minimum depth level. It comes with a one-year warranty.

The battery connected to the solar panel needs to be charged for around an hour before the controller will start pumping.

The pump is an excellent choice for deep wells and can be highly effective in certain weather conditions such as high temperatures, where water usage is at its highest level.

What we like:

  • The all-in-one approach – This kit has everything you need to get started, so you don’t need to shop around for other parts.
  • The deep well applicability – The ECO-WORTHY is designed for use in deep wells, which is going to make it ideal for some properties.
  • The high flow rate – With a flow rate of up to five gallons per minute, the pump can move a respectable amount of water.

What we don’t like:

  • The controller has no separate battery – The battery needs to be charged in order for the controller to work.
  • The battery and charge controller aren’t waterproof – Neither the battery nor the controller is waterproof, which is odd in a water pump setup.

Overall, the ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump is a fantastic option for those looking for a solar-powered water pump. It is deep-well compatible and has a high flow rate, but there are some downsides to consider.

2. Best budget pick – Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit 

We’ve chosen the Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit as our best budget choice because it’s a relatively inexpensive option that still comes with many of the features you’ll need from your solar water pump.

The manufacturer states that the pump is viable for large fountains, water features, ponds, streams, waterfalls, hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouses, rainwater collection, animal troughs, natural pools, which makes it very versatile, but deep wells are a notable exception from that list.

The pump comes with a number of features, including an automatic start-and-stop function that is activated by the water level in the reservoir.

The Solariver pump has an operating range of between 100 feet to 400 feet, so you can place it on higher ground if your water source is lower down, or move it closer to the well itself – either way, this solar-powered submersible pump should be able to handle even steeply sloping water sources with relative ease.

Solariver offers a one-year warranty for its products and provides excellent customer service via both phone and email support channels.

The manufacturer does not mention anything about replacement parts being available within that time frame though, but given how many people have commented positively on its durability, we are inclined to believe they are readily available.

What we like:

  • The operating range –  For a solar pump, this one is unusually powerful and can draw water from up to 100 feet to 400 feet away.
  • Customer service – Excellent customer service is always a boon, and Solariver provides this in spades.
  • The warranty – A one-year warranty is generous for a solar pump.

What we don’t like:

  • Not suitable for wells – While it is suited for ponds, this model could not be used to pump water from a well.

Overall, the Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit is a great buy if you’re looking for an inexpensive water pump kit and can overlook some potential compatibility issues.

3. Best for swimming pools – PWS Solar Powered Swimming Pool Pump

Swimming pools are one of the primary reasons for getting a solar water pump, but the PWS Solar Powered Swimming Pool Pump is definitely the best solar water pump for anyone looking specifically at pool pumps.

The solar water pump controller drives the high efficient brushless DC pump motor, utilizing the latest MPPT technology to ensure maximum flow is delivered under all light conditions.

The pump is also backed by a two-year warranty, making it one of the most reliable solar water pumps on the market.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive solar water pumping solution, the SunPump SP2000 kit is hard to beat. It comes with everything you need to get your system up and running – including a 20W panel, controller, batteries, and even an automatic fill valve for your pool or pond!

Water shortage sensors mean that the pump’s run time is automatically adjusted to fit your particular water needs.

What we like:

  • The water shortage sensor – this pump is smart enough to know when it’s running out of water and will stop automatically. No more worrying about your pump running dry!
  • Pump power – The 1500 watt motor means this pump can handle larger swimming pools without issue.
  • The two-year warranty – The PWS Solar Powered Swimming Pool Pump comes with an extended two-year warranty.

What we don’t like:

  • The variable speed controller – While this is great for conserving energy, some users reported that it caused the pump to cycle on and off too frequently, making it noisy.

Overall, the PWS Solar Powered Swimming Pool Pump is an excellent option if you’re looking for a powerful solar-powered pool pump. It’s perfect for those with medium to large swimming pools.

4. Best premium pick – ECO-WORTHY 400W Solar Well Pump Kit

The best solar water pump for those willing to stretch their budget; the ECO-WORTHY 400W Solar Well Pump Kit as our premium pick because it’s a powerful and durable pump that is perfect for wells up to 100 feet deep!

It also comes with a built-in controller, so you don’t have to purchase one separately.

The main thing that sets the ECO-WORTHY 400W apart from the other pumps on this list is that it’s significantly more powerful. It can provide up to 400 watts of water flow, which is perfect for those who need a lot of pressure or have deep wells.

Like the other pumps on this list, it comes with its own built-in controller and has four high output solar panels that are capable of charging even during cloudy days.

The one downside we found was that the included battery wasn’t able to store much energy (about 20 amp hours), meaning you would likely want to purchase an additional battery if your well-pump will be running overnight.

Although batteries aren’t usually included in most solar kits, they’re often necessary when using DC appliances such as deep-well pumps because they ensure there is power stored throughout the day so the pump can run continuously.

What we like:

  • The larger number of solar panels – This kit is powerful enough to run most pumps with ease, but at the same time it is also designed for simplicity and user-friendliness.
  • The controller – It comes with a 30 amp digital solar controller that can be left alone as you don’t have to monitor or adjust anything yourself – which means less work on your end.

What we don’t like:

  • The price – The only downside to this pump is that it’s a bit on the expensive side. However, the price is worth every penny considering how durable and efficient this pump is.

If you’re looking for an extremely high-quality solar water pump, then the ECO-WORTHY 400W Solar Well Pump Kit is definitely worth considering.

What is a solar water pump and what does it do?

Solar water pumps are simply a type of pump that is powered by the sun and helps draw water from wells or other sources. This allows you to harness solar energy for more than just home electricity needs.

The power to the pump is generated by solar panels which are placed at the highest point possible. The water pump system is installed at the lowest point of the water source so that it can be powered by gravity and suck up as much water as possible.

Solar energy has many advantages over other sources of power, such as fossil fuels or wind turbines, since it emits no pollution to our environment.

If you do decide to install a solar water pump system on your property make sure that it will meet all your needs while still being energy efficient before taking any major steps like purchasing the equipment itself. This way you ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish with no problems along the way!

What to look for in a solar water pump

When choosing a solar pump, it’s important to take into consideration a few key factors, including:

Solar panel type

The size of the solar panel bundled with your pump will determine how quickly your pump can be powered up and running. Larger solar panels will require more sunlight to generate power, but also have the ability to pump more water per minute than a smaller panel.

Durability

As with all working motors, you’ll want a pump that is built to last. Check the pump’s warranty, and make sure it’s made from quality materials that can withstand outdoor use.

Pumping power

The amount of water your pump is able to move per minute will be directly related to how much water you’ll want it to move.

If your goal is just for light irrigation of plants, a small amount of pumping power will be sufficient, but if you need heavier pressure or flow than that, you’ll need to check the specifications on any pump before buying it to make sure it can handle the required volume.

Cord length

Your pump needs to be connected to your solar panel, so be sure to check the cord length on any model you’re considering. You’ll need to place your panel in the optimal position for catching the most sunlight, so make sure you can do that without having to move your pump around.

Wrapping up

If you need a powerful and consistent water pump that doesn’t require connection to the mains and doesn’t add to your energy bill or carbon footprint, then a solar water pump is definitely worth your investment. As far as our list of mini reviews goes, ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump Kit came out top of the class.

]]>
Cycling into the Future: Best Ebike Conversion Kits https://greencoast.org/best-ebike-conversion-kit/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:53:33 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1013950 Are you interested in getting an Ebike conversion kit for your bike, but not sure which one to get? 

Ebikes are a great way to replace car trips with bike trips, and there is no shortage of Ebike conversion kits on the market, which can lead to a bit of analyst paralysis when it comes to choosing the right one for you. 

We’ve reviewed some of the best Ebike conversion kits on the market, and while we found the BAFANG BBSHD 1000W Ebike Conversion Kit to be the best, we also found some great contenders to add to our list.

What’s the best Ebike conversion kit to buy right now?

There’s a lot to learn about Ebikes, so we recommend that you do plenty of research on Ebike reviews before buying one of these conversion kits for yourself!

To help you out, we’ve split our product reviews into categories that reflect the standout factors of each kit. 

1. Best overall Ebike conversion kit – BAFANG BBSHD 1000W Ebike Conversion Kit

We’ve chosen the BAFANG as our top pick overall because it’s just that good.

It delivers an impressive 60 Nm of torque and tops out at 28 mph, making it a viable option for the high-performance commuter who wants to fly over hills with ease. 

The kit itself is quite inexpensive compared to other kits while still offering excellent value, even when you factor in shipping costs.

The mid-drive motor kit is compatible with all bikes with a 68-73mm bottom bracket, including fat bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. It also comes with an LCD display giving you data on battery power and speed.

Installation is quick and easy, with instructions included.

The ‎BAFANG is a great option for those looking to upgrade their bike and ride with more power.

What we like:

  • The price – The BAFANG is less expensive than other premium kits on the market. 
  • The power – With high torque (60 Nm) and a top speed of 28 mph, this monster can climb any hill with ease!
  • Easy installation – Installation is quick, simple, and the package contains fully printed instructions and a link to a video guide.

What we don’t like:

  • The noise – The chain drive may rattle a bit while you’re riding due to the increased leverage from the higher speeds this kit can manage. If you’re looking for extreme stealth, this may not be the kit for you.

The BAFANG Ebike kit comes with everything you need – just charge up your battery and go! With over 1000 watts of power, this conversion kit will get you going fast up steep hills or easily get you to work on time!

2. Best premium conversion kit – BAFANG BBSHD 48V 1000W Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit

Our choice for the best premium Ebike conversion kit is the up-gunned 1000W version of the BAFANG BBSHD. This is one of the highest-powered electric bicycle conversion kits on the market. It’s built to last, and comes with everything you need.

BAFANG BBSHD 48V 1000W Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit

The mid-mounted Sinovel Innovation drive system comes with its own built-in sensor system that provides the rider with an added boost of power when needed.

The five-speed power train also has a manual mode, so with a simple twist at the throttle, riders can easily take off and go!

This easy-to-install upgrade kit allows you to mount any regular bike in mere minutes and is compatible with any mountain bike, road bike, or racing bike with a 68-73mm bottom bracket.

The motor is IP65 waterproof and comes with a smart speed sensor that prevents the chain from jumping off when the gears are changed.

What we like:

  • The installation – Easy to install and compatible with any bike with a 68-73mm bottom bracket.
  • The power- Perfect for long, outdoor rides or short boosts of power to get up difficult hills
  • Smart sensors – To help prevent the chain from skipping off during gear changes.

What we don’t like:

  • Chain cover issues – The chain cover can sometimes loosen up on bumpy roads (easy fix)

The BAFANG BBSHD 48V 1000W is one of the best and most powerful premium Ebike conversion kits on the market today.

3. Best front and rear conversion kit – EBIKELING Waterproof 48V 1200W Ebike Conversion Kit

While both the BAFANG kits we’ve reviewed are mid-drive models, the EbikeLING is a front and rear conversion kit. This kit is essentially two replacement powered wheels that you simply fit to your bike. 

There are certain advantages to front and rear conversion kits, such as better traction, increased safety, and better weight distribution.

The EBIKELING Ebike conversion kit is powered by Dual 1200W motors that provide a very powerful boost. Just what you need to get up those steep hills on your commute home!

This bike has an LCD display for speedometer readouts that are easy to install and read, even in the rain.

While this is a DIY kit, the conversion kit is easy to install. It only takes an hour or so from start to finish, including removing both wheels from the bicycle. The instructions are clear and concise, meaning there isn’t anything too complicated to master.

What we like:

  • The power – This is a very powerful conversion kit that’s perfect for getting up steep hills or starting from a dead stop.
  • The front and rear model – It has good traction, which makes it easy to use on different types of terrain and conditions.
  • Great for hills – The combination of power and torque makes this kit ideal for those who have a few steep hills in their daily commute. 

What we don’t like:

  • No tires or battery – The system doesn’t come with tires for the wheels or a battery.

Overall, the EBIKELING Ebike conversion kit is a good purchase for anyone looking to get a little more power out of their current bike.

4. Best rear wheel conversion kit – Sandinrayli 26” Rear Wheel 48V 1000W Ebike Conversion Kit

The Sandinrayli Electric Bike Kit stands out from the other Ebike conversion kits because it is one of the few that has a proper twist throttle rather than a button.

A great option for people who want to convert their own bike, this kit comes with everything you need and offers a lot of different options when building your motorized bicycle, although that level of DIY construction means some may find it difficult to install.

The system works well off-road as well as on pavement. It puts out enough power for an enjoyable ride even at top speeds or going up hills, so this would be a good choice if you’re looking to do more than just commute around town.

The dual-mode controller allows the motor to work under the Hall effect and non-Hall effect, which extends the life of the battery, and the supplied break levels cut power to the motor.

What we like:

  • Throttle included – The Sandinrayli Electric Bike Kit comes with a rear-wheel motor that has twist throttle built into it, so no more awkward positioning to press the button throttle.
  • Hall and non-Hall – It comes with a dual-mode controller that allows it to work in both Hall effect and non-Hall effect modes. This extends the life of your battery but also lowers power when you’re at break levels so you don’t overheat your motor.

What we don’t like:

  • The setup – While this kit is of very good quality, there are some difficulties during the installation. Mainly because the directions included are only pictures without any explanation or guidance on how to get started hooking everything together.
  • The battery – make sure to pick out a compatible battery before purchase as not all batteries that fit this kit will fit into a bike frame properly.

The Sandinrayli Electric Bike Kit is a powerful kit with many safety features to protect the rider and their bike. It is easy to install with most bikes, just make sure you find a compatible battery. 

5. Best powerful motor conversion kit – AW 26″x1.75″ Rear Wheel 48V 1000W Electric Bicycle Motor Kit 

The AW 1000W Rear Wheel system stands out on our list as one of the most powerful Ebike conversion kits on the market.

Its high torque motor, easy installation, and safety features make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get up hills with ease without spending too much money.

The powerful 1000W rear wheel conversion kit is perfect if you want to go fast and be safe doing so.

It has many safety features like low voltage cut-off protection and pedal assist modes for those who would rather not use throttles or other controls while riding, which might take away from the biking experience itself.

This bike does require some assembly, but after that, it’s smooth sailing as far as getting started goes. The dual controller supports both Hall and non-Hall effects, which helps extend your kit’s life.

The battery pack is also easily removable for convenient storage and charging, although the battery itself isn’t included in the kit.

What we like:

  • Punchy – While still a budget purchase compared to many of the other kits on this list, the AW 1000W still packs a powerful punch in terms of quality and performance.
  • Ease of use – It’s extremely easy to use due to its simple design with just one throttle control that can be used by either hand.
  • Removable battery – The battery pack for this device is easily removable making charging or taking it off your bike simpler than ever before!

What we don’t like:

  • Slightly tricky installation – Some people have had issues getting their pedals set up correctly without stripping them out, so be sure to take extra care during installation if you want everything working properly from day one.

The AW Ebike conversion kit is a great choice for those looking to get a pedal-assist system with the latest technology that is rugged and durable.

6. Best budget conversion kit – Schuck 36V 48V 500W Front Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit

While it is firmly at the budget end of the market, the Schuck 500W Front Wheel Conversion Kit is a great choice if you’re looking to save a little bit of money without compromising on quality.

The kit you get is fairly bare-bones, and there aren’t many useful extras included, but you do get everything you need besides the tires and the battery, which is fairly standard.

Installation is a little tricky, and the manufacturer recommends having it done by a bike shop if you haven’t fitted an Ebike conversion kit before.

One of the benefits of purchasing from Schuck is that they also offer a full range of spares and replacement parts through common sources like Amazon.

What we like: 

  • Simple installation – This kit is very easy to install and comes with everything that most people need in order for it all to work, which means there’s no fiddling around trying to find things or track down parts.
  • Affordable price tag – While not the cheapest Ebike conversion kits out there by any stretch of the imagination, this option does come at an affordable price point that works well as long as you don’t want something too fancy!

What we don’t like:

  • Just Hall – No display panel or remote lockout, so you can’t easily monitor your battery level or turn the motor on and off if needed without stopping to mess with your bike.

The Schuck Front Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit is one of the most affordable Ebike conversion kit options out there, but it’s also pretty basic.

Ebike conversion kit buyer’s guide

A lot of the products we recommend on this site are fairly plug-and-play, but Ebike conversion kits are a little more complicated. Getting the wrong one means it just won’t work and, in the worst-case scenario, might put you in danger.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, we’ve pulled together all the information you need to choose the right Ebike conversion kit for you.

What exactly is an Ebike conversion kit?

Simply put, an Ebike conversion kit is a kit that turns your ordinary bike into a motorized electric bike. The motor and battery commonly replace the front or rear wheel or use a mid-mounted motor with a chain drive.

The kits also include a crankset, and pedals, turning your average bicycle into a high-performance electric vehicle.

There are five main components in most Ebike conversion kits:

  • motor
  • throttle
  • controller
  • battery with charger

What are the benefits of installing an Ebike conversion kit?

There is a fairly large range of benefits to converting your bike into an electric bike, including:

  • Ebikes make it easier and faster to ride up hills, giving you an easier commute.
  • You can significantly extend your range by adjusting your throttle position to pedal without the motor engaged or only use the motor for high speeds or difficult grades.
  • The Ebike conversion kit is a relatively inexpensive way of getting into using an electric vehicle compared to buying a pre-built electric bike.
  • E-bikes offer the convenience of a motorized vehicle without the need to purchase, insure, tax, and maintain an electric car or motorbike.
  • Most Ebike conversion kits are environmentally friendly and low impact, as they use the bike’s own power rather than burning through fossil fuels like cars or motorcycles.
  • Ebike conversions can be a fun project if you enjoy tinkering with bikes.

What types of Ebike conversion kits are available?

Ebike conversion kits are generally divided up using the power of the motors and where the motor is placed.

In terms of power, Ebike kits normally come with a wattage rating, with 500W, 700W, and 1000W being the most common categories.

When it comes to motor placement, the most common placements are:

  • Front-wheel: Front-wheel Ebike kits normally use a front hub motor, which gives you more control over your power delivery.
  • Rear-wheel: Rear-wheel kits mount the motor to the rear dropouts. This is the most common place to install Ebike kits and provides better torque.
  • Front and rear-wheel: Front and rear-wheel conversion kits generally use a front wheel hub motor and rear dropouts for an additional motor and the battery. These are normally more expensive than single-wheel kits, but since you have two motors, you generally have more power.
  • Mid-drive: Mid-drive Ebike systems are becoming increasingly popular because they allow for a more balanced geometry. Mid-drive Ebike kits use the bottom bracket to drive the motor, which is more balanced than front or rear-mounted motors and so has less impact on your cycling experience when not being used.

How do you install an Ebike conversion kit?

How you install your Ebike kit will depend on which kit you have. However, the general steps are as follows:

Rear wheel kit

  1. Remove your rear wheel and set it to one side.
  2. You may need to take off your brake calipers, depending on which kit you have.
  3. Attach the motor onto the chainstay of your bike using zip ties or bolts.
  4. Use a speed sensor attached to the axle of your back wheel in order for Ebike systems with throttles to work correctly.

There you go! Now that’s done, all that’s left is to install an electronic shifter if one comes as part of the kit.

Front wheel kit

  1. To install a front wheel kit, you will need to remove your front wheel, along with the axle and spacers.
  2. You may also have to take off your brake calipers in order for them not to get caught up with the motor axle.
  3. Attach the Timing Belt around one side of the hub gear spindle. Then attach it onto a cog on either end of the kit’s motor.
  4. After that, mount another cog over where your old front wheel was located.
  5. Next, attach an LCD display or electronic shifter if included within your Ebike conversion kit.
  6. Finally, make sure all bolts are tight before riding!

Mid-motor kit

  1. When you fit your mid-motor Ebike conversion kit, you’ll need to remove your rear wheel.
  2. Then, you’ll need to attach the motor axle plate to your dropout. The motor is attached to the bottom bracket, and you’ll need to make sure that the kit you are buying is compatible with the size of your bike’s bottom bracket.
  3. Once done with that, you can put on the sprocket for this kit’s motor.
  4. Next is attaching the chain onto your wheel and tensioning it correctly so there’s little or no slack so as not to stress your components while riding.
  5. Now you can tighten everything up, install the throttle and speed indicators, and you’re good to go.

Front and rear-wheel kits

To install a front and rear wheel bike conversion kit, you will need to make sure that the motor is compatible with your bike’s wheel size. The rims and spokes must also be checked as they may only support a certain amount of weight.

The front-end conversion kit usually has either an axle plate or tube for installation into the fork dropout, and then it comes with its own sprocket, chain, and brake disc which are pre-installed on the front rim itself.

The rear end kit will have a sprocket and a disc for the rear tire. The hub is still attached to your current wheel, but it has a motor mount that will secure the axle of the front-end kit fork dropout.

The actual installation process normally takes about an hour or two, depending on how much work you need to do in order to get rid of all unnecessary parts. Once the wheels are in place tighten everything up, install the throttle and speed indicators, and you’re good to go.

Finding the best electric bike kit for your needs

Finding the best Ebike conversion kit for your needs means that you need to find the kit that will fit your bike frame, your current needs, and your budget.

I can’t stress enough how important it is for users to do their research when planning on buying an Ebike conversion kit in order not to end up with a poor quality product or one that doesn’t meet all of their expectations.

It’s also very important for buyers to choose reputable brands which are known for delivering high-quality products rather than trying out something new from some random company they don’t know anything about.

It’s also hugely important that you measure your bike in advance and check those measurements against the kit you plan to buy to ensure you’re getting the right fit.

Many companies offer excellent returns policies, so if you’re unhappy with what you’ve bought and familiar with Ebikes, it’s well worth getting a kit with a returns policy.

FAQ

So you’ve got all the information you need to buy the right kit for you, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions on Ebikes:

Are Ebike conversion kits expensive?

Ebike conversion kits can be expensive, but they are usually far cheaper than buying a pre-built electric bike.

Are Ebike conversion kits any good?

The answer to this is going to depend on your needs. Ebiking can be an excellent way to commute, but it’s not for everyone. In terms of sheer mechanical durability, we’d always suggest you buy from a reputable manufacturer with a product warranty.

Is 250 watts enough for an Ebike?

A 250-watt Ebike motor will only propel the bike to around 20 mph at best, which is fine for riding on flat terrain. If you want to go faster, or up steep hills, then it’s worth looking into something more powerful.

How fast does a 1000w Ebike go?

How fast an Ebike will go depends on road conditions, the bike you fitted the kit to, the incline, the road surface, etc. So there isn’t a hard and fast answer.

What we can say for certain is that a 1000 watt Ebike motor will go much faster than a 250-watt one. If you plan to ride your bike regularly or go up steep hills, this is worth considering as an option.

The best Ebike conversion kit

Ebike conversion kits are an affordable option for anyone who wants to convert their existing bike into an electric one. They are relatively easy to fit, the parts can be sourced easily, and they work remarkably well.

After reviewing some of the top conversion kits available, we found the BAFANG BBSHD 1000 Watt kit to be the best of the bunch, due to its good price, great power, and easy installation.

With our guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose between the different types of Ebike kits out there and our reviews will help you pick the best kits on the market, like the excellent BAFANG BBSHD 1000!

]]>
Electric vs Gas Lawn Mowers: Which is Better? https://greencoast.org/electric-vs-gas-lawn-mower/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:55:12 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1014081 When you are looking for a new lawnmower, chances are that you’ll come across two different types: electric vs gas lawn mowers. But which is the better choice? 

Both are good options, but each has its own set of pros and cons. 

In this blog post we will compare these two options in detail so that when it’s time for you to make a decision about what type of mower to buy, you’ve got all the information you need!

Electric vs gas lawn mower: key differences

When it comes to choosing between a gas and an electric lawnmower, you need to have the facts at your disposal to make an educated decision.

To help out, we’ve broken down the key difference between electric and gas lawn mowers, so you can be clear on the pros and cons of each.

1. Both lawn mowers require a different power source

Let’s start with the most obvious difference, electric and gas lawnmowers use different power sources. Electric power lawnmowers are powered by electricity, whereas gas mowers require gasoline.

Gas has its own drawbacks, such as being environmentally damaging, hard to transport and store. Electric power is much better for the environment than gas.

Electricity is cleaner energy which means electric lawnmowers are environmentally friendly when compared with their gas-powered counterparts. Electric mowers don’t emit harmful greenhouse gases or pollute groundwater like gasoline does when it’s burned.

However, using electricity means you either need a mower with an internal battery, which will need to be charged, or you’ll need to connect your mower to the mains supply.

robot electric lawn mower
Nowadays you can also find cordless robot lawn mowers that work completely autonomous

There are some great cordless models out there with Lithium-ion batteries which give good run times without sacrificing performance.

Trailing a mains cable behind a cutting machine has its own associated dangers, so look for models with a reinforced or retractable cable and a power cut-out.

If you’re somewhere without consistent access to electricity or have a larger volume of grass to cut, you might want to choose a gas-powered mower to avoid issues with cabling or batteries running out before the task is done.

2. Electric lawnmowers can be more fragile than gas

Modern internal combustion engines, like the ones that power gas mowers, are pretty robust. Most electrical components are less robust, which means you’re more likely to have problems with an electric lawnmower if you’re regularly mowing large areas of brought terrain or grass with a lot of rocks in it.

On the other hand, electric motors, batteries and control boards are all available as components for electric mowers so should be easy enough to fix or replace if something fails and they do require less maintenance than gas motors.

3. Gas lawn mowers are often more powerful

Electric motors have come a long way in the last decade, but sometimes you just need the grunt of a gas motor for tough jobs.

Electric motors are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, whereas gas mowers with larger engines and more robust components can be a better bet if you have large areas of tough grass or want the extra power to help with tougher jobs, such as cutting through long grass.

4. Gas lawn mowers require more maintenance than electric 

An internal combustion engine runs off a series of tiny explosions, which means there’s some serious wear and tear on the components of the motor. You’ll need to make sure oil levels are kept up to ensure it doesn’t seize and replace components if they wear out, like spark plugs.

Electric motors, on the other hand, are powered by a rechargeable battery that requires comparatively little maintenance or service over time. Electric lawn mowers also start at the push of a button, while gas mowers can be difficult to get started on cold days.

5. Electric lawnmowers are better for the environment

When it comes to environmental friendliness, electric lawnmowers win hands down. 

Electric lawnmowers are powered by a rechargeable battery, so there’s no air pollution from the gas emissions that come with their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Internal combustion motor emissions include carbon dioxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC).

These pollutants may contribute to respiratory disorders or exacerbate existing diseases such as asthma or bronchitis.

Gasoline lawn mower emissions also contain chemicals like benzene which is linked to cancer and toluene which can damage the brain and central nervous system.

Electric lawnmowers don’t produce any of these harmful pollutants, making them a healthier choice for your yard as well as your family’s health.

Electricity may be generated through different methods such as solar or wind power that do not emit greenhouse gases as gasoline-powered mowers do.

Electric motor emissions are also considered to cause less pollution than those from gasoline engines since electric motors have fewer moving parts and require no oil changes or tune-ups.

6. Electric lawnmowers are cheaper to run

Electricity can be generated from a range of cheap, environmentally friendly options that aren’t linked to the finite stores of fossil fuel.

This means that electric mowers are cheaper to run because they don’t require expensive gasoline and require less maintenance, while gas-powered ones need oil changes and tune-ups which increases their cost.

If you purchase an electric lawnmower with a high-efficiency battery, it can also be recharged using renewable energy sources like solar panels, which further reduces the cost of running your mower.

Because of the relatively low power demands of modern electric motors and the infrequent use most lawnmowers see, a basic solar setup is usually more than enough to keep your mower charged and raring to go.

The cost to run an electric lawn mower varies based on where you live and how much electricity costs there, but using an online power consumption calculator it’s easy to determine just how inexpensive running one really is.

7. Electric lawnmowers are quieter than gas

Gas engines are loud, particularly larger ones, and the sound of a lawnmower in your backyard can be extremely disruptive, especially if you’re mowing early in the morning.

Electric lawnmowers are typically much quieter than their gas counterparts, which can be of real benefit if you happen to be living in a close urban neighborhood and don’t want to upset your neighbors.

8. Electric lawnmowers aren’t suitable for wet lawns

One of the major downsides to electric lawn mowers is that they aren’t suitable for wet lawns.

Electric lawnmowers are usually only suitable for dry grass, this is because of the inherent danger of using something powered by electricity in a wet environment.

If you wish to utilize an electric lawnmower, you should never cut your grass when it’s wet. The old saying that water and electricity never mix is one to bear in mind.

the underside of an electric lawn mower with grass clumped up
Wet grass often tends to clump up underneath the mower.
Source: Wikimedia / Hedwig Storch

If you have a wet lawn, then it’s probably best to invest in a gas-powered mower or some other type of cutters if you want your yard looking good on the weekends.

This is particularly true if you live in a state with particularly high levels of rainfall during the summer. Electric lawnmowers are at their most useful in drier climates.

Outside of the obvious electrocution risk, in drier areas, you’re less likely to have wet grass clumping up on your blades and making it harder for them to cut through properly, which can massively increase the drain on the battery.

9. Gas lawn mowers are usually more expensive

When it comes to price, gas lawn mowers are usually more expensive than their electric counterparts. This is because of the cost of producing the engine, as well as potential maintenance costs.

Electric lawnmowers are much easier to maintain because you don’t have to worry about spark plugs or any other complex mechanism that could require servicing down the line.

Electric mowers are both cheaper to buy and cheaper in the long run.

Electric vs gas lawn mower: choosing the right one for you

The more you know about something, the greater chance you have of making a good decision. Electric vs gas lawn mowers are no exception.

Armed with the information is the quick breakdown of the key differences between electric and gas lawn mowers, you can accurately assess which one is going to work best for your circumstance and get the best mower for your needs!

]]>
Choosing the Best Solar Powered Fan: A Full Buyers Guide https://greencoast.org/best-solar-powered-fan/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 19:34:28 +0000 https://greencoast.org/?p=1014135 When it comes to cooling off in the summer, there are few better options than a good solar-powered fan. 

With the right type of solar panel, these fans can provide hours of cool air without having to worry about laying cables, charging batteries, or running up your electricity bill.

In this article, we’ve tried to determine what is the best solar powered fan and reviewed some of the best currently on the market, including our favorite choice – the Cowin Solar Fan System.

TOP PICK
Cowin Solar Fan System


Pros:
  • Up to eight hours of usage time
  • Three different speed options
  • USB charging port
Cons:
  • Sometimes makes a clicking noise

What is the best solar-powered fan on the market?

We’ve chosen the Cowin Solar Fan System as our best overall because of its effectiveness, low price, and ease of use.

Essentially, the Cowin combines all the functions you expect from a good fan, like multiple speeds and oscillation, with the functionality of a good solar device, such as good usage time, device charging, a light, and the ability to use AC power in a pinch.

Best solar powered fans reviewed 

As usual, we’ve broken down the reviews by standout features and picked our ‘best in show’ that we think covers all the bases.

1. Best overall – Cowin Solar Fan System

We’ve chosen the Cowin Solar Fan System as our best overall because it does everything that you could possibly want from a solar fan.

The fan is powered by DC power from a 15W solar panel and you can power it with an AC adapter for mains power when there’s no sun around to charge up the batteries.

The built-in rechargeable battery comes with overcharge/discharge protection and can even be used to charge electronic devices thanks to its handy USB port.

It has three different speed settings, which range from 1000 RPM to 1350 RPM and oscillates automatically. With a full charge, you’ll get eight hours of use at low speed and four hours at high speed.

For camping use, the Cowin Solar Fan also comes with a handy built-in LED light for illumination at night.

What we like:

  • Good usage time – It has a battery capacity of 2600mAh that provides up to four hours at high speed and eight hours at low speed after a full charge. 
  • Speed options – The Cowin Solar Fan comes with three different speeds for you to choose from.
  • USB Charging port – The USB charging port allows you to charge your electronic devices, which is great for camping or emergency situations.

What we don’t like:

  • Clicking noise – Some buyers report that the fan makes a clicking noise when oscillating, although others have reported that this is just dust in the gears and can be fixed with a burst of compressed air.

Overall, the Cowin Solar Fan is a great product with good usage time, multiple charging options, and a very handy USB port. With all of this in mind, it’s not difficult to see why we think it’s the best solar powered fan on the market.

2. Best desktop – Seddex 5W Desktop Solar Fan

If you’re looking for a more compact fan suitable for your desktop, greenhouse or motorhome, then the Seddex 5W Desktop Solar fan is a great choice. It’s definitely the best solar powered fan for desktop use, which is why we absolutely had to include it on our list.

The fan has a dimension of 4 x 4 x 4 inches, which is smaller than its solar panel, which is 8.7 inches x 7 inches x 0.1 inches.

This diminutive fan is very quiet, which is great for desktop use, and can easily be charged with the attached 5W solar panel.

What we like:

  • Small and portable – The fan is small, light, and easy to both move around and find a place for.
  • Simple –There aren’t really any bells and whistles on this model, but it does what it does very well.
  • Waterproof solar panel – Unlike some of the other smaller solar fans, the solar panel on the Seddex is waterproof, which means it can be used in outdoor stations like a chicken coop, doghouse, or greenhouse.

What we don’t like:

  • No battery – This fan runs directly from the solar panel, so if there’s no sun, it won’t run.

Given its size, the Seddex 5W Desktop Solar fan doesn’t have much in the way of functionality, but if you want something small and portable, this fan should be your go-to.

3. Best portable – Hereta Multi-Function Solar Fan

One of the best things about a solar fan is that you don’t need a socket nearby for it to work, which makes solar fans ideal portable solutions. But what’s the best solar powered fan in terms of portability?

The Hereta Multi-function Solar Fan is best for people who want a fan that can be used in the car, on hikes and camping trips. It weighs just 1.9 pounds and has its own carrying handle.

The fan comes with a 5-blade DC-powered fan that is capable of seven hours of continuous operation before the battery needs recharging.

It also comes with a number of other functions that make it ideal for camping, fishing cookouts, etc.

To help you find your way around at night, the fan has a 26 LED lap that will run for about 9 hours

To help keep your devices charged, the fan has a 5-volt USB output. To keep you entertained, it has an FM Radio and input USB and TF Card ports so you can play MP3 files through it.

On a full charge, the radio and MP3 player will run for around 6-8 hours and it also has a jack for your earphones.

What we like:

  • The radio and MP3 player – Which is great for playing your tunes when you’re out fishing or camping.
  • Device charging – Ideal if you find your phone is running out of battery.
  • The lamp – Having a built-in lamp is always a great safety feature for outdoor electronics.

What we don’t like:

  • Lots of power-hungry functions – Having a lot of functions is great, but using them all at once will drain the battery on this fan in just a few hours.

The Hereta Multi-function Solar Fan is a great option for a portable solar fan with a lot of different functions. The best feature of this model is the built-in radio and MP3 player!

4. Best solar gable fan – QuietCool 40 Watt Solar Powered Gable Mount Attic Fan

If you’re looking for something solar powered to act as a cooling solution for your house, the QuietCool 40 Watt Solar Powered Gable Mount Attic Fan is an excellent choice.

It can keep your entire house cool with just one fan, uses no electricity and best of all is almost totally silent in operation.

We’ve written before on how attic fans work, but as a brief reminder, hot air rises, gets trapped in the insulated attic of your home, and causes the house to heat up. Attic fans disperse that hot air and pull cooler air in from outside to circulate through your home.

The QuietCool solar attic fan comes with a 30 or 40 Watt Solar Panel (depending on model), a 15-year warranty, and a built-in preset thermostat. It also features easy plug-and-play installation.

Best of all, the 30% Federal tax credit for installing solar solutions has been extended through 2021, with potential state tax incentives for installing a solar attic fan in Arizona, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, and Utah.

What we like:

  • Powerful and quiet – The fan really moves a lot of air, but not so much that you can hear it from inside your house.
  • The fan is easy and quick to install – With all the parts you need and a simple plug-and-play installation method.
  • There’s a 15-year warranty – So you don’t have to worry about faults for a good long time.

What we don’t like:

  • Solar panel – The solar panels that are installed on all models of QuietCool aren’t the best quality and will eventually break down over time, although this is somewhat offset by that long warranty.

Overall, the QuietCool 40 Watt Solar Powered Gable Mount Attic Fan is best for people who want to save money on their electricity bills without sacrificing comfort. With everything we’ve said about this model, it’s easy to see why we’ve crowned it the best solar powered fan for whole-house cooling.

5. Best solar attic fan – iLIVING HYBRID Smart Thermostat Solar Attic Exhaust Fan

The iLIVING HYBRID Smart Thermostat Solar Attic Exhaust Fan is certainly well built, with a powerful 20W adjustable polycrystalline solar panel, IP68 water and dust-proof fan, and a quiet brushless motor that provides up to 2000 square feet of cooling capacity. 

The ‘smart’ part of this smart fan comes from the smart thermostat, which has a wide control range of 65-130f and an enable/disable feature that allows you to have more freedom to control the fan the way you want.

As a hybrid fan, the iLIVING runs off solar during the day and then switches to AC power at night or during periods of low solar viability.

To top it all off, the fan comes with a 15-year warranty.

What we like:

  • The smart thermostat – The smart thermostat gives you greater control over the function of this fan and saves on electricity.
  • The quiet operation – Using a brushless motor keeps the fan nice and quiet.
  • The quality solar panel – Unlike some other models, the iLIVING comes with a good quality polycrystalline solar panel.

What we don’t like:

  • The installation process – Because it acts as an exhaust fan, if you don’t already have an exhaust vent in your roof, you’ll need to cut one to fit the fan.

The iLIVING HYBRID Smart Thermostat Solar Attic Exhaust Fan is an excellent smart hybrid solar fan that will help you save on electricity and stay cool. It’s definitely the best solar powered fan we’ve come across for attics.

Things to consider when buying a solar fan 

When buying a solar power fan for your house or business there are a few important things you should consider.

These include:

  • how long the battery lasts before it needs recharging
  • whether there is an auto function which means they automatically turn off when not needed
  • if they’re quiet enough that you won’t be disturbed by them
  • what functionality you are looking for

The ideal solar fan is quiet, doesn’t use much energy, has a long usage period per charge, and can be powered by the mains when there’s no sun.

To help you find the right fan for you, we’ve put together this buying guide that contains all the information you need to make the best choice.

Charging time and capacity

A key factor to consider when buying any solar product is charging time and capacity. The best solar powered fan will be able to charge and hold a large capacity of energy so that it can run for as long as possible.

The best way to determine this is through the manufacturer’s specifications, which you should check before buying any solar product. You may need to do some research into your battery type or what inverter you have in order to find out how much power they use and their charging times.

For example: batteries like Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) are best suited for high drain appliances such as fans because they hold more charge but take longer to recharge than other types of batteries like Nickel Cadmium (NiCd).

All solar fans come with at least one or two small-sized solar panels. The best solar powered fans, however, have larger sized panels that are able to absorb more sunlight over a longer period of time – allowing you to keep the fan running for as long as possible.

Physical features, materials, and dimensions

The physical dimensions of certain types of fans are going to be more important than others.

If you are buying an attic fan, you are going to need a fan that is able to fit into an opening of your roof. Whereas if you’re just buying a desktop fan, you won’t need to make any structural changes to your home (hopefully).

solar powered fan inside a camping tent connected to a solar panel outside
Small solar powered fans are great to take with you on a camping trip
Source: Wikimedia / Michael Pereckas

When it comes to the materials that the fans are made out of, always prioritize anything with a longer manufacturer’s warranty and an IP rating.

The warranty is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s faith in the product and the IP rating means you can trust it to be water and dustproof.

Consider the fan’s primary purpose

Before buying a solar-powered fan, you’ll want to consider what exactly you want it for.

To best help you determine the best solar powered fan for your specific needs, here are some factors to consider when buying one of these appliances:

  • Maximum airflow volume (CFM) – The first factor is airflow volume, which is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This indicates how much air can move through the fan at one time, which will help determine whether or not the appliance has enough power to serve its purpose.
  • Energy consumption (watts) per hour/day – The best solar powered fan will have a low wattage and use this energy efficiently.
  • Ease of installation – Solar fans should be easy to install for your convenience, so look into which models are the best fit before making any purchase decisions. 
  • Coverage area (square feet or meters depending on which you prefer) – The best solar powered fan will have a range that is able to evenly distribute air throughout your desired area.
  • Noise level at full power/at low power/other speeds – A highly-rated solar fan will run quietly so you can enjoy a cool breeze without disturbing your peace and quiet.
  • Maximum airflow height (feet or meters) – Look for a solar fan that is capable of reaching the highest parts of the room you plan to place it in so that air movement will be evenly distributed throughout. For example, if you are looking for a solar-powered fan for a greenhouse, you need to make sure that it’s powerful enough to ventilate the space adequately.
  • Weight (pounds or kilograms) – Choose a lightweight best solar-powered fan if portability and ease-of-use are important to you as this allows you to install it in different locations.

Think about solar panel location

Not only do you have to think about how big the solar panel on your solar fan is but also where it will be placed and what kind of weather conditions it will face outdoors.

If there are heavy rains expected in your area, avoid placing panels under eaves or other spots that would increase the chances of water damage and look for solar panels with IP rated waterproofing.

To get the best from your solar panel, install it somewhere where it is best able to absorb sunlight for the longest period of time.

You should also make sure the unit isn’t in a position where other objects will obstruct its ability to get enough light by overshadowing or shading it from the sun, meaning you could lose out on power and efficiency over time.

FAQ

To make sure you’ve got all the information you need to buy the right solar-powered fan for you, we’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions on solar fans and answered them for you.

Q: Do solar powered attic fans work at night?

A: As a general rule solar-powered fans do not work in the dark, and will only run when they are exposed to sunlight. However, if you need your fan to work at night, you can always opt for a hybrid model that also runs on mains power or a model with a rechargeable battery.

Q: Are solar attic fans tax deductible?

A: Yes! The Federal tax credit for solar attic fans has been extended through 2021. A Solar powered attic fan is eligible for a 30% (up to $1,500) credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax.

Tax incentives above and beyond the 30% Federal tax rebate are available for residents of specific municipalities and you can find a list of those municipalities here.

Q: How does a solar-powered fan work?

A: Solar-powered fans work exactly the same as any other fan, except they draw their power from a solar panel. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. Some solar fans come with a rechargeable battery included while others run directly from the DC power being produced by the fan.

The best solar powered fan

For us, the best solar powered fan for your money is the Cowin Solar Fan System. It’s simple to use, has great battery life and comes with some neat little extras, like a light and USB port for charging your device, that set it above the competition.

For more ideas on solar-powered gadgets, check out our guide to the best solar home products.

]]>