Recap of 2012 Las Vegas/Southern NV Solar Home Tour

by Jill Olsen

Yesterday (Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012)  was the National Solar Home Tour and I was a volunteer at a home in the Las Vegas Area for the tour presented by SolarNV.org

We had a steady stream of folks coming by throughout the day to ask questions and learn more about solar.

Fun day all in all.  I created a short video that captured a few of the images from the day, enjoy! Below the video are a few more details about the residence I was at.

One of the main reasons that this homeowner agreed to be part of the tour was the service he had received from Bombard Renewable Energy (who installed his system and was one of the primary sponsors of the event). When the installation occurred apparently one of the bolts for the panels on the roof had been turned so tight that it had cracked the tile creating an issue.  He called Bombard and they came right out and fixed the problem. Yes, no questions asked and two years after they had installed the system.  Interesting side note he had gotten bids from two other companies before deciding to go with Bombard and neither of those companies are in business today. [click to continue…]

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Las Vegas/Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour Saturday, October 6, 2012

by Jill Olsen

Solar NV HatAre you interested in learning how a solar home system works, what it costs and the ROI?  Now you can!  The 8th Annual Las Vegas/Southern Nevada Home Tour brought to you by SolarNV.org is this Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 10 am – 4 pm. This event is part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour that takes place the first Saturday in October and is the largest grassroot solar event.

This is your opportunity to tour homes with solar installations around the Las Vegas Valley and talk with homeowners and ask them all the questions you have from folks who have been there and done it. No sales people, no NV energy people, just real people who have made the investment and know the results they see regarding their energy use and monetary spend.

Here are the details:

Go to SolarNV.org for Tour Information/FAQ’s and to Register

A couple of important points:

  • This is a self guided tour
  • No central starting point
  • Homes on the tour are spread throughout the Vegas Valley

You can get an overview of the homes on the tour and their efficiencies by downloading the Solar Home Tour Book found on the Registration page (to obtain the addresses you must Register and they will be emailed to you).

Registration Prices:

  • Solar NV Member (current members only) – $10
  • High-Mileage Hybrid or Electric Vehicle – $15
  • Standard Car or SUV – $20

Extra Special Bonus this year:  2012 Nation Solar Tour Sweepstakes!  Take the brief survey to win one of these prizes:

Grand Prize: $2500 Gift Certificate to a Home Improvement Store of Your Choice

Second Place: $1000 Gift Certificate to a Home Improvement Store of Your Choice

Third Place (Three will be chosen): Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit

 

But wait, there’s more!

There will be a code on the Las Vegas/Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour Map page to be redeemed for a FREE year subscription to Solar Today Magazine.  (Awesome!)

I was a volunteer for the tour in 2010 and I’m doing it again on Saturday, October 6th 2012.  There have been a few changes in the past couple of years.  Instead of spending money and resources on printing slick glossy brochures, everything is now electronic.  SolarNV.org is taking advantage of technology (especially mobile technology) to put the information in a format and on your phone right in your hand.

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

P.S. If you don’t live in Las Vegas/Southern Nevada you can find a tour near you!  Let me know if you attended a tour and what  the most interesting piece of information you learned. If you can’t make the tour be sure to come to a monthly SolarNV.org meeting to learn more about solar energy.

 

 

 

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Add Solar Light Bulbs to Your Emergency Kit Today!

by Jill Olsen

Nokero N200 Solar Light Bulb

Nokero N200 Solar Light Bulb

Have you ever been without power due to wind/thunder storms, hurricanes, ice storms, wildfires, earthquakes, black/brown outs or some other unplanned event or act of nature?  If so when it gets dark you are probably hunting for flashlights and praying that the batteries are still good, right?

The flashlights might last a day or so but what happens if you are without power for a longer period of time, say a few days or even a week (it’s a real possibility if there are millions of people without power that has to be restored).

These types of events are occurring  frequently and we all need to be prepared.  I can’t think of a more sustainable, renewable (literally recharging every day) solution than having one or more solar light bulbs on hand for the unexpected emergency.

I recommend adding the Nokero N200 solar light bulb to your emergency kit.

Here is how it works:
  • During the day sunlight charges the battery
  • During the night the battery charges the LEDs
And here it is in action:

Here are the product details:

  • Comes with a hook at the top
  • Solar light bulb is on a pivot/swivel so you can turn it in the direction you need the light or turn the solar panel towards the sun for maximum recharging
  • Multi switch for High-Off-Low
  • Auto shut off feature, automatically switches off in bright light
  • Lasts 6+ hours (2.5 on high, 6 hours on low)
  • Bulb type (4 LEDs)
  • Power Source is one solar pane
  • Battery – Replaceable NiMH (1) (comes with solar light bulb)
  • Battery Voltage 1.2v
  • Rainproof
Below is a short video of  unpacking the solar light bulb I ordered.

Of course this solar light bulb can be used for other purposes than emergency lighting, how about using it for camping or to light up the back patio.

Being prepared is a motto for more than the Boy Scouts these days. Order a Nokero N200 solar light bulb for your emergency kit so you WILL be prepared (at least when it comes to light after the sun goes down).

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

P.S. You might also want to consider buying a solar charger for all your devices which require electricity to charge such as cell phones,  iPhone, iPad, and most USB powered devices.

 

 

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Moonrays Memorial Cross Solar Light for Honoring Loved Ones

by Jill Olsen

Memorial DayToday is Memorial Day,  a day set aside to honor those U.S. men and women who died while in the Military Service.

Growing up, I knew it as “Decoration Day” and each year we spent the morning visiting the cemeteries where our ancestors were buried and decorated their graves with either fresh flowers from the garden or artificial ones.  I remember noticing the many graves  decorated with small American Flags (noting those who had served in the military).

I now live far from where I grew up but every Memorial Day I remember my roots and take a moment of silence to remember those who served and family and friends who have passed on.

One way to remember loved ones who have passed on is to place a Moonrays Memorial Cross Solar Light by their grave.

Moonrays Memorial Cross Solar LightMade of weatherproof plastic and metal materials and stands 28 inches above ground.

White LED light powered by AA NiCd battery (included).

Easy to assemble, no wiring needed.

Click here to order your own Moonrays Memorial Cross Solar Light for your loved one(s).

Talk soon,

P.S. Remember to respect the Cemetery rules when placing your Moonrays Memorial Cross Solar Light on your loved ones grave.

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Spring Sale on Decorative and Garden Solar Lights

by Jill Olsen

It’s spring and that means we are going to be spending more time outside, working in the garden, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.

I think I have to say that spring is my favorite season. I love watching everything bloom, yes even the desert has a spring season, although it’s vastly different than the rest of the country.

Spring to me is all about new life, new color, new opportunities to be outside.  How about you?  Ready to spend some time outside, having fun, soaking up the sun and playing?  Maybe you are thinking about adding solar lights to your yard or perhaps buying a new solar decorate piece for your garden?

Today, I’ve got a great deal for you.  Exterior Accents is having a spring sale that runs through May 18th 2012 and will give you 10% OFF any order at Exterior-Accents.com! Click here to get 10% OFF

As you may know one of my all time favorite decorate solar lights is the Boy with Fireflies Statute which Exterior Accents sells.  They have high quality merchandise and their customer service is superior.

So check out Exterior Accents website today and get 10% OFF any order at Exterior-Accents.com! Click here to get 10% OFF . Plus Exterior Accents offers free shipping on ordersover $249.

In addition to their solar lights and garden accent collection, this coupon is also good on patio furniture, grills or any order from Exterior Accents.

Let’s get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and earth.

Talk soon,

P.S. Check out the  Girl with Fireflies Statue solar garden light statue as well. You must  Click here to get 10% OFF

 

 

 

 

 

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Solar Christmas Lights with 7 Light Patterns

by Jill Olsen

The Solar Powered Holiday Lights.Looking for more than the standard string of solar Christmas lights?  You have come to the right place!  This set of solar Christmas Lights with 102 bright LEDs has three different light setting options.  The first option allows you to run 7 different light patterns in succession. The second option allows you to select your favorite sequence to flash continuously and the third option allows you to set the lights to provide steady illumination all at the touch of a button.

Available in  Red, Green, Blue and White. Choose one color or create a mixture of colors .  Remember solar lights can be used year round so you aren’t limited to just using them during the holidays, they can be used anytime during the year and make great decorations and soft ambient lighting in your yard.

As with most solar lights, the installation is easy and effortless.  There is a small solar panel that stakes into the ground up to 7 feet away from the stand of lights.  Solar energy charges the lights for up to nine hours after an eight hour charge. The panel also automatically turns on the lights at dusk and turns them off at dawn.

The strand of 102 bright LEDs is 32′ 9″ long which makes it convenient to wrap around trees, railings and other outdoor objects. The LEDs are rated for 10,000 hours of operation.

Added benefits of using solar Christmas lights include no extra charges on your utility bills and using sustainable energy.

What are you waiting for? Join the growing movement to solar lights and add solar Christmas lights to your holiday decorations this year!

Talk soon,

P.S. Since you’ve made the decision to go “green” for your decorations, here is a “green” gift idea for those on your list. Consider giving this adorable Boy with Fireflies solar garden light.  It will be cherished for years to come.

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