Floating Solar Panels Designed for Inland Bodies of Water

There are so many solar projects being developed at present which is a good thing. Here is another one that looks interesting:

Israel-based Solaris Synergy and French EDF Group are planning to develop a new system of floating solar panels, called AQUASUN, which has the possibility of being installed on the surface of existing bodies of water.

The panels use silicon cells, which unlike other types, are less expensive but also prone to inefficiency caused by overheating. However,this is not a problem as the water on which they’re floating acts as a cooling system.

Users have the option to add or remove panels in order to tailor the power output to their requirements. A single modular panel is capable of generating around 200 kW of clean energy.

This kind of system will not be installed in ecologically-sensitive areas or in open seas, but rather on reservoirs already in use for agriculture and industrial purposes. The water will not become stagnant because the panels are designed to allow oxygen to permeate through. So far, the companies have released a prototype that has been presented at the 4th International Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference in Israel. The designers have great plans for the future. They’re planning to install AQUASUN for a nine-month test period on a basin at a hydro-electric facility in southeastern France by the end of September

.floating solar panels

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Here are some really useful ideas to help reduce waste.

Recycle Clip Art

  • Recycling Bins – Always have recycling bins available and labeled with the appropriate recycling stickers
  • No More Plastic Grocery Bags – A reusable canvas shopping bag is a great alternative to plastic shopping bags that fill up the landfills.
  • Reusable Water Bottles – Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Save money while reducing waste in the landfills.
  • Paperless Reading – Read books, magazines and newspapers on an iPad, Kindle or PC. Save the trees with eBooks and eReading Devices.
  • Rechargeable Batteries – Save money and reduce waste buy using rechargeable batteries.
  • Buy Recycled – Buy products made from recycled materials help you to save the planet while shopping
  • Donate Clothing – Never throw out clothing! Donate old clothes to your local thrift stores.
  • Bed Sheets – Use old sheets for drop clothes when painting
  • Crafts – Recycle egg cartons, old Christmas cards and Kleenex boxes for craft supplies.
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Update your door mat!

Are you sick and tired of everyone in your household tramping dirt and mud inside. Why not treat yourself to one of our beautiful cast iron door mats?

This door mat (pictured) has a scroll design and is manufactured from solid cast iron with a black finish. This ornate door mat will enhance any entrance transforming it into something quite splendid. It is one of our heaviest and most durable door mats. It will stand up to the harshest treatment from those heavy winter boots.

There are seven styles to choose from and sure to be one which will look great at your front door!

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Clothes dryers or clothesline? The choice is yours

Here are some handy hints for getting the best results when drying your washing. Hoping that you will find this useful.

  • Hang your laundry to dry whenever possible – it is better for your clothes and saves you money. There are many types of  washing lines for both  indoor and outdoor installation.
  • Do not place too many items in the dryer - Just as the clothes need room to circulate in the washer to be cleaned completely, the clothes will need room to circulate in the dryer in order dry properly and to avoid wrinkling, especially permanent press and synthetic fabrics.
  • Read care labels for proper drying temperatures.
  • Always clean the lint filter before drying every load, for safety and efficiency.
  • Do not over dry your clothing. Over drying causes your colors to fade, increases wrinkling and shrinkage. Try to fold your laundry right after the drying cycle has ended to minimize the need for ironing.
  • Regarding Dryer Safety – Do not dry anything containing rubber on a heated setting. Do not put anything in the dryer that has been in contact with flammable chemicals, for example turpentine, acetone, cleaning solvents, wax, etc., until you know that the chemicals have been removed completely. To be safe – line dry these items.
  • Even though many of the newer dryers have features for delicates, you should always hang items like bathing suits or bras (especially underwired) to dry.  Sweaters and some other items instruct you to “dry flat” or “reshape and dry flat” so you will need to either use a drying rack or a towel in order to maintain the item’s shape while air drying. Be sure to turn the item over during drying, to save drying time and circulate air evenly. Clothing that needs to be line dried should be removed from the washer as soon as possible in order to reduce wrinkling.
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