Solar panel systems always criticized as unattractive. New solar technology is beginning to make such criticisms a thing of the past.

Solar Advancement
While everyone agrees solar energy is a clean, cost-effective energy source, there has always been one problem. The solar panel systems tended to be large and rather bulky. While solar panel designs have improved over the years, a new development involving shingles is getting a lot of attention.

The technological breakthrough that makes this new technology possible is the invention of thin film photovoltaic cells. Known as “amorphous silicon thin alloy technology”, the designers essentially stepped back from traditional solar panel designs and did some thinking. What they realized is the materials used in panels were not the only ones that could be used. Without getting overly technical, the design team came up with a solution where more efficient cells could be built on a steel substrate. Each super thin cell was tailored to capture different spectrums of the sunlight. When layered on top of each other, they became extremely efficient at producing power.

The ultimate result is a system that can sit directly on the roof of a home or, is more efficient than regular solar panels and far more appealing from a visual perspective. If you’re excuse for not using solar in the past was the bulky system, you need to rethink solar.

Green living may mean different things to different people. When it comes to creating a healthier home and ensuring that it coincides with green living, these measures can really go a long way.

1. Use Natural Cleaners: One of the biggest potential risks in your home may be the very cleaners that you use. Rather than using conventional store bought cleaners, use natural and healthier ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. You will ensure that you’re not ingesting any potentially harmful substances, but yet still get the house clean at the same time.

2. Get rid of the dust in a healthy way: The dust in our home may be part of what makes us sick, and there’s no reason for that. Get rid of the dust using a vacuum cleaner that is healthy and that has the right filter to really suck up the dust and dirt. Though it may seem drastic, replacing your carpet and ensuring that you go with a healthier option that doesn’t drum up dust can be another healthy and green method.

3. Don’t introduce outside toxins. This may sound obvious, but you might be amazed at the things that people do in their homes which can pose dangers. The most obvious thing is to quit smoking, particularly in the house. This is not only good for green living, but for a healthier you in the process. This smoke can linger in the house and cause you to get sick more easily. You should also cut down on the fires that you burn in the fireplace as they can pose some potential risks and toxins as well.

4. Be sure of the materials that you use and change them if necessary. Some of the highest potential risks for toxins in your home can come from the paint that you use and the carpet that you walk on every day. If you aren’t sure if your home has these potential risks, then invest in some new materials. Get carpeting that is made with green materials, and repaint with a healthier type of pain that doesn’t have a risk for potential toxins.

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