Maybe you were raised on Teletubbies or fell in love with Hobbits? You too can have a curved, green-roof home as a backyard home for AirBNB or for your in-laws. Maybe it will be your first home and you want to make it a tiny home and green. Meet Wonderful Structures, a US company that supplies the framework upon which you can build a hobbit home. A build can be done in as little as 3 days, according to the company formerly known as Magic Homes.

Related: the Hobbit home set for demolition

Imagine a 400-square-foot tiny home with a low carbon footprint, nestled in the earth making it energy efficient to boot but with the convenience of a conventional house?

Vanlife made sense 10 years ago when global nomadism first took hold, but with a Starlink and an off grid parcel of land, true off-grid and efficient living is possible with Wonderful Structures.

The company manufactures prefabricated vaulted panels to be covered with soil so you can live in a Tolkienesque building you might be able to build yourself. Check your local building codes of course before you order.

Below are some photos of the construction process.

Can anyone build such a home anywhere? The company says: “Our technology features an innovative construction system designed to meet various standards for earthquake resistance, wind loads, and fire safety, making it eligible for approval worldwide.

“We recommend consulting your local building department to understand the specific requirements in your area. Additionally, standard construction permits will be needed for your project.”

::Wonderful Structures

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Solar energy is all the rage these days, and for good reason. With climate change looming, solar panels offer homeowners a way to personally combat rising CO2 levels while saving some green at the same time. However solar panels don’t just fall from the sky into your yard fully formed. You need to decide what kind of panels to get, review the best solar companies, and calculate the efficiency of solar panels to cover your energy needs. This choice implies lots of research and number crunching to find out the return on investment based on solar.

Advantages of Financing Solar Power Plants

On the one hand, our way to going solar is beneficial not only in terms of nature; it also can please customers with its cost-efficient approach. The act of putting up residential metallic solar panels on roofs allows the users to use sunlight hence making electricity into power for household usage. Although solar panels are not free, and they do require an initial investment, homeowners discover that substantial savings on their energy bills as well as tax credits often make the move to going with sunny power quite appetizing. But before you get started with your solar energy adventure, locating potential reliable solar companies is a necessity what I also would advise is not to choose any company arbitrarily but only one of good repute. Search for those companies that have a track record, positive customer reviews, and relevant certificates. This will, therefore ensure a smooth installation process.

The cost of solar panels has reduced drastically over the last few years hence ensuring that this becomes affordable and accessible. The federal government in addition to most states and other tax-levy providing entities provides huge incentives as well rebates for solar panels installation, which is another reason why adoptable renewables are deemed convenient by many individuals. In the U.S., a tax credit through ITC – Investment Tax Credit or federal solar investment tax credit allows homeowners to deduct 26% cost of installing Solar Panels from their Federal income taxes owed. Furthermore, most states and local utilities provide even bigger rebates that can cut the whole system in half by up to 75%.

Lastly, solar panels may help increase the home’s value and attract environmentally concerned potential buyers. For most homeowners, the energy cost savings, tax incentives rebates, and increased value of homes make solar an investment that pays itself out for the lifetime of the system. Overall, although first solar panel system investments may seem to be quite high, the long-term economic advantages of producing energy based on these modules are staggering.

When analyzing solar panels costs vs future savings, you understand that going solar is a great investment. Several factors contribute to the overall economics of solar panel installations, including the cost of equipment, installation expenses, maintenance, and the potential savings on electricity bills.

Upfront Costs

The upfront costs of solar panel installations include the purchase of panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and the installation itself. While these costs can be substantial, they are offset by potential incentives, rebates, and financing options, making solar energy more accessible to a broader audience.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The return on investment is a critical metric in evaluating the economic viability of solar panel installations. As solar panels generate electricity and reduce reliance on traditional grid power, the savings on electricity bills contribute to the ROI. In many cases, homeowners and businesses experience a positive ROI within a relatively short period, especially when taking advantage of government incentives.

Long-Term Savings

Solar panels have a long lifespan, often exceeding 25 years. Over this period, the savings on electricity bills accumulate, making solar energy an economically sound investment. Additionally, as technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, the overall economics of solar energy continue to improve.

The good news is, that once your system is installed, solar panels can provide free electricity for 20-30 years or more and increase the value of your home. By calculating all the factors that determine your specific costs and incentives, you can make an informed decision about whether the long-term benefits of solar power outweigh the initial investment for your situation.

Solar Panel Installation Tips

Evaluate Your Energy Need

Conduct an energy audit to understand your current energy consumption. This will help determine the size of the solar panel system needed to meet your specific requirements. By accurately assessing your energy needs, you can optimize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the solar installation.

For sizes of the system in KWs and their size directly influence the total price. Typically, most residential systems have a capacity that falls between 3 kW and 8 kW depending on the size of the house. Systems in these larger capacities around 10 to 15 kW would be suited for houses with electric heating and air conditioning. However, the real solar panels are only 15-25% of total charges. Other factors that must be included here include inverters, racks, and the installation also.

Contemplate Government Incentives, Rebates

Several governments provide incentives and rebates to promote the use of solar energy. Study the programs that are available in your area, these can significantly cut down costs on installation. Sometimes, these incentives could comprise tax credits and feed-in tariffs.

Explore Financing Options

Although up-front costs of solar panel installation are quite high, there exists a wide range of financing options that bring about the transition at more affordable prices. Some of these alternatives may consist of solar loans, leasing contracts, or PPAs. Assess each option to discover your preference.

In conclusion, solar panels would be a wise investment for many homeowners who want lower energy bills and to achieve carbon neutrality. Although the initial sticker shock of an installation’s price tag is high by comparison, combined with tax credits, incentive programs, and decades-worth of free sunshine solar system can essentially pay for themselves over time. With an increase in the productivity of panels and a decrease in prices each year, turning sun rays into energy becomes cheaper. Taking into consideration the tips to start using green energy, solar panel installations can be a bright solution to enjoy.

The post Harnessing the Sun: The Economics of Solar Panel Installations appeared first on Green Prophet.

There is a wonderful place to explore in Jordan in the region of Wadi Feynan. 

Getting there: Wadi Feynan is located about 200 miles southwest of Amman and represents one of the regional centers of the ancient metallurgy in the Middle East. The industrial-scale copper production started in the Early Bronze Age and continued during the Roman-Byzantine Period while the final exploitation of copper occurred in Mamluk Period.

The copper was transported to other parts of the region but this trade isn’t what we’ll talk about. It’s what you are going to do there.

Feynan Ecolodge is one of the most basic and eco-friendly places in Jordan. It is also considered a top 50 eco hotel in the world. There’s no electricity in the hotel except for the kitchen, bathroom and showers. You won’t find plastic bottles, meat and alcohol – though you can bring your own.

The hotel is built in the middle of nowhere between the Dana Reserve on the mountain plateau and the valley where only four-wheel vehicles have access. The nearest road is miles away and the area is tough but good for a rugged hike and stargazing in the evening.

At night, the hotel is lit by candles produced by the local Bedouin community.

Rooms are nice but minimalistic while hefty price tag could be a big turn off for people used to luxurious accommodation or those who would rather choose one of many Bedouin camps in Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum. However, most visitors won’t stay more than a few days due to complete isolation from civilization. On the other hand, tourists who enjoy solitude can get the full board of breakfast, lunch and dinner. For most visitors, breakfast and dinner are included in the offer.

In the wintertime, the lodge can be freezing due to the lack of electricity so the hosts provide very thick blankets and hot water bottles. During the summer, the main issue is the scorching heat as temperatures range between 38 and 45 Celsius for most of the days between June and September.

The best period for hiking is fall and spring.

When it was established in 2005 by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the Feynan Ecolodge was to offer travelers, particularly hikers and young people, the opportunity to learn more about untouched wilderness, the ancient history of Wadi Feynan and local communities.

Built as traditional waystations that are scattered throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, the Feynan Ecolodge uses solar panels while the inner courtyard is designed for stargazing or meteor showers.

In the Dana Biosphere Reserve

At the lodge, hot drinks and non-alcoholic beverages are served while guests can bring their own alcoholic drinks but are advised to use them discreetly because Jordan is primarily Muslim and alcohol is not permitted. Read more here about Muslims and alcohol.

Solar –generated electricity is used to light the bathrooms, kitchen, mobile phones and laptops. One can’t find an electric outlet in the rooms, but cameras, laptops and mobiles can be recharged at the front desk.

The lodge is smoke-free but travelers can go outside the lodge and smoke in a smoke-designated area. Because of the solar system, each room has enough hot water for the whole year.

The main outdoor activities are a sunrise hike, a sunset hike, the Feynan area plants, hiking between ruins of ancient civilizations and exploring famous mines. So hiking. Or doing nothing. Or exploring the area ion mountain bikes as well as interaction with local communities. Normally, hikes last between two and four hours and guests are escorted by a guide.

Spending a day with a local shepherd or cooking Arabic coffee, the weaving of a goat hair tent,preparing eye makeup called kohl and making arbood bread are interactive activities that would help a tourist understand the heritage of locals in Wadi Feynan. Highly recommended.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcl4XwEH1hi/

One of shortcomings of the lodge are flies especially in the summer and the lack of access for visitors with disabilities. The terrain around the hotel is very rough and the hotel has no elevator to the first floor.

To summarize, the ecolodge is an excellent place for travelers interested in meditation, extreme sports and physical isolation from modern civilization. Disadvantages are unreasonably high prices for a spartan accommodation, exposure to the elements –  hot summers and freezing winters – and a staff that barely speaks English.

If you are looking for wild travels in the Middle East or North Africa, try this eco hotel in Morocco. 

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There has never been a better time to embrace the power of solar energy. The price of installing a solar panel system keeps falling and the Federal Government, along with several cities, offer lucrative incentives and rebates for installing such a system. Even better is the fact that a solar installation saves you money on energy, helps out the environment, and adds thousands of dollars to the value of a home.

It’s not hard to see why solar power is such an attractive proposition. It’s also not hard to see why some people might have some difficulty choosing a solar installation since there are so many options available. This article provides some clarity about the different types of solar panels and which type may be right for you.

Solar Compatibility

Before you start thinking about installing a solar panel system, you should make sure that your home, specifically your roof, is solar compatible. This means that your roof needs to be in good shape; if you know that your roof needs renovation, then you should execute that renovation before installing any solar panels. Otherwise you would need to remove and then replace the panels during the renovation.

You should also make sure that there is not any significant shade on the majority of your roof for most of the day, especially during peak sunlight hours. Shade prevents the solar panels from operating at their maximum efficiency. If the object causing the shade can be removed or reduced, then you should do so before the installation.

The Different Kinds of Solar Panels

Once you have determined that your roof is compatible, it is time to consider the type of solar panel that is right for your home. The information presented here includes the panel type’s efficiency rating, which is the percentage of solar energy that the panel converts into electricity. These are the types from which you can choose.

Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si)

Mono-Si solar panels are the purest types, which also makes them the most efficient. They are distinguished by their dark color and rounded edges. Their high efficiency means that fewer of them need to be used, so they are a good option for homes with less roof space. They are the most expensive type of panel so you should only purchase them if you need to.

• Longevity: 25 years
• Efficiency rating: 15% – 22%

Polycrystalline Silicon (Poly-Si)

Poly-Si solar panels have a highly recognizable blue color, they are cheaper, but also less efficient, than mono-Si panels. They also do not last as long. However, they are a good choice if your roof has enough space to hold a lot of panels.

• Longevity: 20 – 25 years
• Efficiency rating: 13% – 16%

Thin Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

These are relatively inexpensive panels, and their thinness gives them a flexibility that allows for a lot of different applications. The different types of TFSC include the following.

• Amorphous Silicon (A-Si) – these are the types of cells you see on solar powered pocket calculators. They are very inexpensive, but also very inefficient.
  • Longevity: 14 – 17 years
  • Efficiency rating: 6% – 10%

• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) – CIGS solar panels are among the most versatile because their flexibility allows them to be used in a variety of different ways besides solar installations.
  • Longevity: 7- 15 years
  • Efficiency rating: 10% – 12%

• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) – these are fairly inexpensive panels, which means that they offer a faster return on investment than the other panel types.
  • Longevity: 10 – 15 years
  • Efficiency rating: 9% – 11%

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

These are solar panels integrated into the components of the house, like the shingles or tiles of a roof. This is a relatively new application for residential buildings. The longevity and efficiency rating are dependent on the number and type of panel used in the integration.

Choose Your Solar Panel Carefully

Aside from your solar panel choice, you should also think about the inverter. This is the device that converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into useable AC electricity for the home. Call your local installer to get more details about solar panels and the installation process,

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How would you like to save money by no longer paying electric bills? There are several ways in which this can be accomplished. The first option is to go completely off the grid, and choose not to use electricity of any kind. This may not be suitable for the average person and will definitely not be comfortable, even for the extremist.

The next option is live very frugally and save energy in every way possible by limiting the amount of time in the home with the lights on, unplugging appliances, and even lowering the heat settings. Again, this is not a comfortable option. This option also does not fully eliminate electricity bills. The benefits of solar energy are not always openly discussed, but here are 5 good reasons why you should use solar power energy.

The benefits of solar energy – 5 good reasons

green pr1. Solar energy is reliable. With only a bit of cleaning to do, this form of energy can offer several thousand hours of electricity and power for a home.

2. Solar energy is completely renewable. The Sun is not disappearing any time in the near future, and no mining is necessary in order to use its power.

3. Solar energy is not harmful to the environment. In fact, it is part of the natural environment.

4. It pays for itself. Over time, the initial costs of installing solar panels are cancelled out by the amount of money saved not paying a power company.

5. Fits any budget. Solar panels can be installed one or many at a time to fit almost any budget.

It is obvious that solar panels can be useful, but some may not understand just how useful.

Imagine your perimeter wireless dog fence being powered by solar energy, or any other type of underground fencing for dogs running even during power outages. This could keep your pets safe, even when the electric company cannot keep the power functioning during bad weather.

Solar energy panels can be used to heat water for the home, keep the lights burning bright, and even power the television.

Solar panels can show an immediate savings on the electricity bill. They will not eliminate the bill completely unless all electrical aspects of the house are appropriately hooked into the solar panel converted energy. This is not a difficult task. In fact, solar panels can be purchased in a number of places and are simple to install for those who are true do it yourselfers.

Maybe your budget is tight in these tough economic times. That is alright, as panels can be installed one at a time as the budget allows. Money saved can then be put to further panels. Once an entire home is converted to solar panel energy the savings will start, as no more power bills will be hitting the mailbox. In this manner, the solar panels seem to pay for themselves.

Are you ready to convert? Honestly, we cannot think of many reasons why solar panel energy not converting is an option. Start saving a bit today and buy a single panel. See how things go. The earth and your wallet will be very thankful.

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