Advantages of Solar Energy: What They Are?

Find out what the solar energy advantages are and how they can be transformed into your personal money savings.

The term ’solar energy’ is self-explanatory in nature: it is obtained from the sunrays. Individuals can obtain a large number of benefits from using solar power. Until the advent of modern technology, however, people could use solar power only during the sunlit hours. These days, users can enjoy the manifold advantages of solar power, even during the night hours. Here, we would be taking a glance at the main advantages of solar energy.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. Considered better than most other energy sources, solar energy is eco-friendly as well. Hence, the importance of sun as the storehouse of energy is expected to be on the rise in future as well. In addition to providing us with light and heat during the day, solar power can be effectively harnessed to generate electricity. This then can be used to light up our houses, during both the days and nights. Provided the system has a battery back-up and/or is grid-tied, this process is considerably eased. The electricity obtained from solar energy holds out multiple advantages to people.

If some amounts of electricity generated in this process remain unutilized, it can be made saleable by moving them to the utility or the grid. No upfront payment is required for this transfer of surplus electric power, and some money can be made out of it. Running costs are extremely low on solar energy, helping the consumers drastically cut down on their expenses on electricity. With no movable parts, the solar panel itself does not have any other additional costs too. Thus, there are three major benefits of using solar energy for generating electricity: a) reducing the electric bills of consumers by large amounts, b) helping users earn some cash by selling surplus amounts of electricity, and c) the extremely eco-friendly nature of solar energy.

Earlier, most of the electricity generation systems used traditional fossil fuel sources. These sources often polluted the air, by releasing gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury and nitrous oxide (NO) in the atmosphere. These gases, apart from polluting the air, acted as some of the main greenhouse gases, that contributed to the significant amounts of global warming. Solar energy does not make use of these gases, and hence is environment-friendly in its nature. Usage of solar energy also helps to avoid harmful acid rains or smog-formation, unlike other energy sources.

Solar power is advantageous, since the supply of raw material (i.e. sunlight) is abundant and renewable, and the solar energy stations can be set up independently as well. Other accessories of the system are also freely available. Solar power stations function noiselessly too - much to the convenience of users. These facilities, hence, make solar energy extremely popular for various purposes. The solar energy systems can be installed at all parts of the world as well. Solar power packages often come complete with battery banks, converters and control panels. Controllers are used to convert modules of power from solar panels to usage of battery. These systems, with their tough trailers, are often used by geologists, when they move in lands, hitherto unexplored, in search of oil and minerals.

Fossil fuel reserves are going down rapidly all over the world. The oil prices are also increasing at a high rate. All these factors have made the existence of vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines a difficult task. Hence, these vehicles are gradually being replaced by hybrid cars in the market. Experiments are also on regarding the developments of such cars which would run solely on solar power. Indeed, in the near future, it is envisaged that solar power driven cars would completely take over from the fossil-fuel driven engines. The harmful carbon monoxide released by the internal combustion engines can also be avoided by using solar energy. This would boost the overall cleanliness of the atmosphere.

Over time, the cost of using photovoltaic cells is going down. Hence, the process of harnessing solar energy is becoming cheaper, so that it is gradually being used even in such areas where conventional energy sources had held sway over the past years. According to experts, vehicles that use internal combustion are on their way out, with solar-powered vehicles taking their place. This would definitely lift the purity of the air surrounding us. Thus, solar energy holds out significant advantages over other conventional energy sources. Indeed, it is on its way to become one of the chief sources of power worldwide.

Before actually setting up solar power systems, a training manual needs to be consulted regarding the proper manner of installing such systems. The place to acquire batteries, the place where you can get these batteries for free, and the ideal place to set up such a system are all discussed in the manual. All possible safety related queries as well as the wiring systems need to be explained in detail. Once users have these data, they can easily set up effective solar energy systems in their homes.

Advantages of Solar Energy: What They Are?

Discover how to use solar energy to your advantage and save thousands of dollars on power bills even if you are not an expert in the field of alternative power.

Solar energy, as the name suggests, is derived from the sun (and not, the moon). The benefits of solar energy to mankind are manifold. Until recently, solar energy could be made use of only during the day. However, with the advent of new technologies, solar energy can now be tapped and used even during the night. Here, we will be looking at some of the major benefits of solar power.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. Considered better than most other energy sources, solar energy is eco-friendly as well. Hence, the importance of sun as the storehouse of energy is expected to be on the rise in future as well. In addition to providing us with light and heat during the day, solar power can be effectively harnessed to generate electricity. This then can be used to light up our houses, during both the days and nights. Provided the system has a battery back-up and/or is grid-tied, this process is considerably eased. The electricity obtained from solar energy holds out multiple advantages to people.

If some amounts of electricity generated in this process remain unutilized, it can be made saleable by moving them to the utility or the grid. No upfront payment is required for this transfer of surplus electric power, and some money can be made out of it. Running costs are extremely low on solar energy, helping the consumers drastically cut down on their expenses on electricity. With no movable parts, the solar panel itself does not have any other additional costs too. Thus, there are three major benefits of using solar energy for generating electricity: a) reducing the electric bills of consumers by large amounts, b) helping users earn some cash by selling surplus amounts of electricity, and c) the extremely eco-friendly nature of solar energy.

Solar power systems help in keeping the environmental balance of the world intact. Traditional fossil fuel based energy sources generally release gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), methane and nitrous oxide (NO) into the air. These gases, termed as greenhouse gases, contribute to global warming. Solar energy avoids the usage and release of these gases. Hence, it remains eco-friendly, and does not bring with it the risks of global warming. The harmful smog or acid rain, generated by the fossil fuel sources, is also not an issue when solar energy is used.

The sun is a renewable source of energy, and all fuel and other accessories can be obtained conveniently from it. The plants that use solar energy can be set up independently as well. Generators that use solar energy as fuel function without noises, and this adds to the advantages of the latter. Availability of power is not an issue in these cases, and solar-energy driven electric generators can be used anywhere in the world. Be it at the Sahara or the faraway spaces of South Africa, solar energy can be used to produce electricity, and for various purposes as well. Solar energy finds great favor among geologists, who have to work in separate, distant parts of the world. Solar energy systems, if provided with control panels, battery banks and converters are extremely convenient to use. The power modules present in the solar packages can be changed from solar panels to battery, via controllers. These solar energy systems are generally put on sturdy trailers, and are of great use in distant lands, which people are exploring for the first time, in search of oil and/or other mineral resources.

The non-renewable sources of energy (like the fossil fuels), are non-renewable in nature. Their prices are also increasing rapidly, due to the depletion of their reserves. This, in turn, makes usage of systems that have internal combustion facilities economically unviable. In this scenario, solar energy is extremely beneficial indeed. Vehicles that make use of solar energy make use of very little amounts of fossil fuels. Although the technology is still evolving, such hybrid vehicles have already made their appearance in the markets. In fact, when finally developed, a solar energy driven vehicle would be much more advantageous than those using fossil fuels. Unlike the latter, no environmentally polluting gases are released either by these solar energy vehicles. That would definitely improve the cleanliness of the surrounding atmosphere too.

Over time, the cost of using photovoltaic cells is going down. Hence, the process of harnessing solar energy is becoming cheaper, so that it is gradually being used even in such areas where conventional energy sources had held sway over the past years. According to experts, vehicles that use internal combustion are on their way out, with solar-powered vehicles taking their place. This would definitely lift the purity of the air surrounding us. Thus, solar energy holds out significant advantages over other conventional energy sources. Indeed, it is on its way to become one of the chief sources of power worldwide.

In view of the manifold benefits of the solar energy packages, they should be adopted by all families. However, certain prior information regarding the ideal way to install a solar energy system needs to be obtained, preferably from a manual. The manual should also have details regarding the availability of the separate parts for the system, free procurement of the batteries, as well as relevant safety measures that should always be followed. Plus, you will need to know the best place for installing the system, as well as the wiring methods in advance. With this information, you can easily use solar energy at your home.

Kitchen Lighting Tips

The kitchen is one of the highest trafficked areas in your home. A number of families use the kitchen to eat in as well as to prepare food. To take care of all these activities there are a number of different lighting options.

The size of your kitchen will determine the type of lights you may need. For example a small kitchen may only need a ceiling light with some task lighting for the counters and sink. Larger kitchens on the other hand will need more varieties of illumination.

Many modern kitchens, which are larger in size, are equipped with islands. These require some overhead lighting. This will serve two purposes; firstly the fixtures will light up the island making it safe to work on, secondly overhead lighting will accentuate the island and make it a focal point of the kitchen. Pendant lighting will often be used for this purpose. You can have a hanging pendant with three or four lamps for this purpose. This will give a good light to serve as task and decoration.

Recessed ceiling lights can be used and will produce general or ambient illumination. They will give an overall light to the kitchen and allow you adequate light to work here.

A good choice of lighting for a dining area is a hanging light fixture. They can have multiple lamps. It will accent the dining table and shed more light on it. This style of lighting can be used as a good task light.

If you need more light for your counter space, you can use under the counter lighting. Over the counter lights will produce an upwards radiance that can show off your ceiling. To get this effect you can use LED bars or track lighting. Over the counter lighting is especially effective when you use track lights, because you can turn the lamps in different directions.

The kitchen is not the easiest room to illuminate correctly and you may want to seek some professional help with this. Planning is wise so that you can pay attention to certain areas. When you search the Internet you can find professional lighting consultants.

Suggestions and picture galleries can be found at a number of lighting websites. You will get informative information and some creative new ideas when you look at these sites. Once you have a plan and some ideas for your kitchen you can then select what you need at your local lighting store. Sometimes you can get useful advice here.

It is good to choose a store that is larger and is well established. This is because stores like this will have knowledgeable sales personnel, who can give you good advice about fixtures. They will also be able to recommend good services to help you install your lighting fixtures.

Solar Energy Advantages And Disadvantages Uncovered

The sun is free for everybody to use. Irrespective of religion and nationality, the sun shines upon all of us in all its glory. Since the very dawn of history, the sun has been showering its light and warmth upon us. Thanks to modern science and technology, man now has the knowledge and know-how of harnessing a part of the tremendous energy contained in the sun and pitting it to various uses.

The most common way of using the energy of the sun is with the help of photovoltaic cells. Even though the initial set up costs can be a little high by most standards, the long -term financial benefits of using solar power are truly unparalleled.

The sun provides us with a unique advantage of generating enough power for ourselves and sell off any surplus to the local utility company or the grid at a profit through what is known as the “Net-metering Scheme”. It requires no raw materials and has no running cost. All one needs to do is connect the system to the local power grid and send back the excess power generated by him to the local company. An example will make things clearer. Say, your monthly electricity consumption is X number of units or A amount of dollars. Now, if you install a solar panel at your home that can produce 6X number of units per month that is equivalent to $5A and you draw 2X number of units from the utility for night time consumption, you are still left with 6X minus 3X or 3X number of units equivalent to $5A minus $A or $4A in your hand. Selling off surplus power seems like the only sensible and smart choice because you cannot store this power for use on rainy days. If left unused, it will go to waste. So why let that happen? The best move is to sell it back and make a neat little profit from it.

Before you make up your mind to go ’solar’, there is one very important consideration viz. the return on investment. It is worth remembering that solar systems do not come cheap. In fact the initial investment can be fairly high by most standards, even though most states will extend financial aids to you for the cause because solar energy is eco-friendly and a clean renewable form of energy that does not pollute the environment. However, you can always find out the break-even point by subtracting the value of the annual sale of electricity from the initial investment made by you. Take a look below for a typical example.

Initial investment $30,000 Annual sale value of solar electricity $ 5,000 Time to reach break-even point 6years From the 7th year onward No cost!

The ecological benefits of using solar energy are just too many to enumerate. First and foremost, there is the tremendous environmental edge that comes from its clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel oriented and sustainable nature. Unlike other conventional modes of energy production solar energy production does not cause air pollution simply because there is no discharge of sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon dioxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO) or mercury. And for the same reason, solar energy does not contribute to the contemporary problem of global warming or greenhouse effect. What’s more, with solar energy you never need to worry about smog or acid rain in the area where it is utilized. Indeed, it’s easy to see why the entire world is raving about alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power.

Another big advantage of using solar energy comes from the fact that it is virtually free and requires very little maintenance.

Solar power setups are self-sustained and an independent means of energy production. This distinctiveness of operation helps installation of units anywhere under the sun, irrespective of whether other facilities are available or not. In other words, it may be said that solar energy really sets you free. Nowadays, owing to the latest developments, it doesn’t take much to set up a fully functional solar power unit near your own house and start generating your own electricity. Moreover, solar power offers excellent portability. Powerful Solar energy units mounted on trailers, complete with control panel, converters, battery banks and switches are now in use in such remote areas like the South African Game Reserves where scientists are busy checking the genes of large animals like the rhinoceros or the giraffe. Independent solar energy operated units help light up their camp sites while powering their laptops for research work and other equipment and tools.

Last but definitely not the least, it has already reduced the dependence on Middle Eastern countries whose oil supplies had so far been responsible for fossil fuel generated electric power. In fact, considering the pace at which mankind is adopting solar power in homes and workplaces, the day is not too far away when diesel powered generators would be a matter of the past.

All said and done, let us now take a look at some of the disadvantages that accompany solar energy uses. A disturbing factor is the present high cost of installation of a solar panel. Though efforts are underway to improve their affordability (there are many government schemes that extend financial help to those willing to install a solar power unit), the picture is still far from encouraging.

You must be all set to switch to solar power by now. But don’t get started all alone. What you need is a training guide - a manual, that will let you learn how to install a system. You will also need to know a few other things such as what is the best place to set up the system, where to buy the parts, how to get free batteries, safety precautions and also wiring the system. Get informed and you are ready to install solar system in your home. This is easily the best way to ensure a quick, successful installation, without hurdles or unpleasant surprises.

Using Solar Energy Is Starting To Being More Common Each Week

The cost of electrical energy is growing and the best choice that we have today is using solar energy. The real reason for this being burnt that fossil fuels like coal,which in turn is getting employed to provide power,so if we would like our future to be safe, this is the time we step forward and start using solar technology needed for Electrical power moaning that have consistently supported that electricity is of utmost importance and desires to remain are:

1) Need for light and power after it becomes dark 2) Need for appliances to work so the food we eat remains edible. Not having the power to use electricity for either work or amusement would be a great hamper on living as everyone knows it.

Varieties of solar power products are the actual reason that many people don’t use solar power is mostly because they’re not aware of what all it has got to offer. Thsi being recounted that they don’t seem to be aware of what all products are available that could be used with the assistance solar energy for a mean home.

In fact, you can install solar energy systems that range between tiny movable systems for your vacation home to large fixed solar electricity systems that are built right into your place as either a standalone system or a grid system. It is this wide-ranging flexibility joined with the incontrovertible fact that it is a renewable often available power source that makes it such a great thing. You can start out tiny with individual systems like solar water heater,solar shower, solar lighting, solar fans.

That isn’t all these days we also have solar radios, solar cookers and solar purification systems. Solar electricity is far more useful as it could be utilised to recharge your electric batteries and you may also power up each single appliance in your place with the help of the right solar system. It is merely a matter of determining where you would like to use it. Solar energy can be employed in your business or home. There are a mess of uses for solar power round the household. After you discover solar power for the family home, you can notice that you can power up virtually any electrical appliance or machine with the right solar power system and supplies.

After reading the article above you can instantly begin to see where and how utilising solar power would be beneficial for you,your money and your children. Just remember that todays savings could lead to a bright and healthy future.

How Do You Know If You Have Sensitive Skin?

Proper skin care is important, and when choosing skin care products, it is important to consider your skin type. This knowledge will dictate the course of your entire skin care regimen. It is especially important to identify whether or not you have sensitive skin. Knowing the answer will allow you to intelligently choose your skin care products, and avoid needlessly irritating your skin.

Sensitive skin encompasses all the other skin types, which includes normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. However, sensitive skin also reacts to a variety of synthesized chemicals and pollutants, as well as some naturally occurring elements. There are several symptoms that can identify sensitive skin. People with sensitive skin often experience feelings of dryness and tightness. Another symptom is having skin that burns, or is easily irritated, by sun exposure or wind. Sensitive skin will also react quickly if it comes into contact with any irritating substances. The skin may become blotchy, red, or break out in a rash. It may also appear to “blush” or show visible veins. Other discomforts of sensitive skin include itching or tingling and reactions to temperature. If you have had a reaction to one or more products, or experienced some of these symptoms, than it is likely you have sensitive skin.

Managing sensitive skin means that choosing the proper skin care is essential. This is especially true since sensitive skin may have other issues that also need to be addressed, such as oiliness or acne. Avoiding chemicals and irritants is a must. This applies to all aspects of skin care such as cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and make up. Most products are full of harsh ingredients like preservatives and fragrances. Many products contain warning labels and have lengthy ingredient lists laced with chemicals. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of organic products available that are perfect for sensitive skin.

Organic skin care products do not contain any chemicals that can quickly irritate sensitive skin. Rather, their focus is on using naturally occurring plant extracts and oils. Some popular organic ingredients include jojoba oil, olive oil, and tea tree oil. The use of natural ingredients eliminates the problem of irritation from synthetic substances, and soothes troubled skin. The majority of organic products also contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the skin.

Choosing organic skin care products will greatly reduce the risk of sensitive skin having an adverse reaction. Organic products are now available that cover all aspects of personal care for men and women including shampoos, body washes, and fragrances, as well as facial creams and make up.

Coping with sensitive skin can be a challenge, but selecting the appropriate skin care products will make it much easier. Avoid all chemical based products that are loaded with irritants. Choose organic products that will nourish your skin and greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the risk of irritation. Examine your entire skin care regimen, and make sure everything that comes into contact with your skin is natural and hypo allergenic.

Alternative Electric Energy - Save Money And The Environment

Alternative electric energy has seen a marked increase in investment over recent years. As the world responds to the range of crises presented by global warming, viable solutions are being sought to combat the problem.

Demand for fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal have led to the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. The world’s forestry reserves are in trouble too as they are being cut down to supplement energy requirements. Solutions are desperately being sought in order to avert global disaster.

Proponents of alternative electric energy tell us that we can preserve the world’s resources by adopting renewable energy systems. They say that instead of continuing to rely on non renewable fuels we should employ new sustainable technology. Such technology works by generating electricity from abundant sources that can be harnessed quite easily. Most alternative electric energy systems are simple to understand and utilize.

Many alternative electric energy systems have been around for a long time. They have been modernized and operate with the use of updated technology. We’ve probably all come across terms such as wind power, solar energy or even water power.

Windmills used by our predecessors to grind corn or wheat have evolved into the modern wind turbines we see today. Both types of windmill operate on similar principles. Each has large blades that rotate when the wind is trapped in them. The old windmill shafts were connected to a great millstone that would slowly roll as the wind turned the vanes. Newer windmills now turn electric generating turbines instead.

The cleanest and cheapest alternative electricity energy system for providing electricity to a national grid is hydro power. Hydro electric power is again a modern adaptation of old water wheels that were used for milling in the past. The historical varieties were commonly placed in a river where rushing water could rotate the wheel. Today, modern hydro power plants are placed on the edge of a dam. As water falls from the higher level to the lower level, it forces its way past turbine blades causing them to spin. Turbines feed generators that produce electricity. Many countries use hydro electric power because of its cost effectiveness. These systems are also encouraged because of their non polluting characteristics.

The most popular alternative electricity system for homes, schools and businesses is solar power. The technology used is the most groundbreaking because it harnesses the sun’s energy with tiny components called photo voltaic cells. These cells convert the energy into electricity which is able to charge batteries for consumers to make use of as needed. Solar energy is a slightly more complex technology than other alternative electricity systems but it also the most adaptable.

My Solar And Wind Power Systems At Home

EnergyForEarth.net - My Solar And Wind Power Systems At Home My goal is to get your home running on free, renewable energy - Starting today. …. Solar and wind power systems cost 00 and the price just rises from …Solar Cost FAQ How can I use solar at my own home? Use a solar power system that is integrated … Learn more about wind power. How can I integrate solar and wind power? …Build Your Own Wind And Solar Power System | Energy 2 Green Here is a similar wind power system to what …

How to Best Install a New Chandelier

Finding a great new chandelier is not hard to do, since they are sold in many stores and others receive chandeliers as gifts. However, once the new light fixture is home the problems arise. The greatest problem being the installation, since most don’t know how to go about this. Those that are not sure of what to do should avoid it, because electrical work can be very dangerous and even deadly. For those that have no idea of how to hook up electrical light fixtures it is a good idea to hire an experienced electrician to help.

Electricity can be life threatening, but many people do not realize this. Most electricians realize that it is actually one of the most common ways that people die in their home. You may not know this, but there are thousands upon thousands of volts of electricity running through multiple wires throughout the walls of your house. It is important to understand that you should never touch these wires unless you have a good reason. If for some reason you must touch one of these wires then you would have to have someone turn off the fuse box in case something went wrong. Turning off the fuse box would cut off the electricity supply to a certain area in your house.

When it comes to electrical work it is worth paying an electrician a bit of money instead of risking your life by doing things on your own. This is true even though some have a complex about hiring others for help for what appears to be a simple task. Nonetheless, it is better to feel as if your pride has been hurt than if your body really is hurt. Pride is still not as important as being safe and alive.

There is actually another reason as to why it is even more important to higher an electrician to help you with installation. Have you ever heard of the saying, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it?” If you try to install an electrical appliance on your own, you may accidentally break some of the wiring that is already installed in your house. If you damage or break some of your current wiring then you will have to pay an electrician even more money to come in and fix what was not broken in the first place.

First and foremost, when installing your new chandelier, by getting the job done right the first time around will you will save a lot of money in the long run. Electricians also have anywhere from a thirty to sixty day warranty on their work, a fact most homeowners don’t even know about. In reality, this guarantee is an industry standard.

If something should go wrong after an electrician installed the chandelier, then they should come back at no additional cost to you and fix it. In the end your best option is to hire a qualified electrician. Especially when it comes to safety it is your best option to avoid getting electrocuted. Also, getting the job done right the first time will save you tons of money in the long run.

Saving Cash Using Flourescents | Not Simply A Dim Flicker Any Longer

FL lights no longer give just a dim flicker. Yes they are the ecological option to normal light bulbs, but they can also be funky and are a favourite of current designers. So why are they a good green alternative, and what’s so cool about them?

Any electrician will tell you that fluorescent lights tend to last four to ten times as long as normal (filament) light bulbs and use about 20% of the energy. The trouble with normal light bulbs is that 95% of the energy they use is lost through heat and merely 5% is literally utilized to light up a room.

While fluorescent bulbs are more costly to buy initially, they will save you cash in the long run, generally paying for themselves in under a year. And they fit in most existing light fixtures, so you won’t even call for an electrician to change your fixtures.

Another direct green advantage is that for the reason that the light bulbs last so much longer they make less waste for landfill as less are being thrown away every year. And once you’re fitting them and doing your part, you may even feel so green and greenly aware that you take your responsibilities further and turn lights off when they’re not being used.

When you do need to toss away fluorescent light bulbs at that time endeavor and do so responsibly. Unlike filament light bulbs, they have a tiny amount of mercury which is ecologically damaging if they are binned, so ask your local board about recycling facilities for light bulbs and do your bit to keep them out of the garbage dump.

Now for the fun part! FL lights are fantastic if you want to create a colour wash on the wall or against curtains. They may be recessed so that the light seems to come magically from a hidden supply and if the light shines against a reflective surface, you can make a very dramatic effect. You can also talk to your electrician about installing more than one fluorescent tube so that you have a option of colours at your fingertips.

FL lights of course happen in white but also four basic colours - red, yellow, green and blue. If none of these suit your plan, you may put a white light following a coloured filter of your choice or even get coloured theatrical lighting goo which can be applied to the bulb to accomplish the effect you’re after. There are even companies that sell bulbs already coated, offering a range of colours if you can’t face doing it yourself.

If you’re putting together a lighting plan bear in mind that fl white light tends to appear calm rather than warm. FL bulbs can be incorporated into a dimmer plan when of course they turn out to be less bright, but they won’t make a warm glow like a normal bulb. As well as being put onto dimmers your electrician could go one step further and incorporate them into a system of pre-set scenes to make numerous mood choices for your room.

The reality is that in 2007 the US Government announced that incandescent light bulbs are to be barred by 2011, which should help save around 5 million tonnes of CO2 by US household users alone. So it makes sense to get ready now for this new period in lighting. Light bulbs in the US are now graded A-G for green effectiveness, so it’s easy to pick ones that do less damage and that will save you cash in the mid and long term. And it doesn’t mean living in darkness - fluorescent lights have come a long way since their flickering beginnings.