For Immediate Release:  May 30th 2009

We at DepotEco are adding something really exciting to our inventory this summer! We have the honor of being one of the first stores to offer the newest in innovative Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) battery technology from PowerGenix.

In the past few years, interest in PowerGenix NiZn batteries has skyrocketed as their reputation for producing the most reliable, highest quality NiZn technology has grown. Today the company is supplying NiZn cells into multiple markets including power tool, lawn and garden, consumer AA, military, and light electric vehicle (LEV).

In the exciting and quickly evolving world of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), PowerGenix and their NiZn battery technology is being recognized as a game changer and real step forward in terms of efficiency, power, environmental soundness, and cost effectiveness. PowerGenix’s NiZn powered Toyota Prius was showcased at the 2009 San Diego International Auto Show where the advanced battery vehicle was featured in the Eco-Center, the main feature of the 2009 show. As the Prius, the Insight, and other new hybrid cars battle it out for the top spot, PowerGenix’s NiZn technology is finding itself at the center of HEV innovation.

PowerGenix has also entered into a supply agreement with PowerEagle, the leading manufacturer of electric bicycles in China. Under the agreement, PowerGenix will supply its NiZn cells for pack fabrication into the entire product line offered by Veloteq, PowerEagle’s North American sales and distribution partner, beginning in 2009. In many other arenas PowerGenix has seen a great increase in demand and investment and has accordingly begun high-volume manufacturing.

For decades NiZn batteries have been recognized for their usefulness in applications demanding high discharge rate capabilities. With a high energy-density ratio and an open circuit voltage of 1.6 volts they have been heralded as the batteries of the future for high drain applications. Now PowerGenix- an innovative San Diego based company founded in 2000- has developed and is manufacturing patented NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA batteries that make NiZn technology more effective, useful and available than ever before.

PowerGenix has improved already efficient NiZn technology by increasing cycle-life, lowering cost, reducing size and weight by 30% and improving low temperature discharge behavior. The small size and low internal resistance of PowerGenix NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA Batteries enables the delivery of significantly more power during periods of peak demand than a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery of comparable size.

Another way that PowerGenix NiZn batteries have raised the bar is by their ability to completely recharge in less than two hours and achieve 80% recharge within one hour, a key benefit for cordless power tools, electronics and many other applications. These rechargeable batteries are also completely safe, non-combustible and easier on the environment than other comparable technologies.

Until now, NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA batteries have been available only in limited quantities via one camera merchant. But we at DepotEco were so impressed by the efficiency and environmental soundness of these batteries that we were determined to make them available to our customers. We are honored to announce that beginning in late June we will be one of the first stores to carry these amazing batteries. They are now available online and in our brick and mortar store.

We will have them stocked and ready to ship by the beginning of July, but we are happy to take your back orders now.

Pre-Buy Now~! Here…

DepotEco Introduces PowerGenix’s AA Nickel-Zinc High Yield Technology Batteries, On Sale now (Pre-orders)

Earlier this year, PowerGenix’s NiZn technology was certified by the RBRC for collection and recycling, becoming only the fifth rechargeable chemistry recognized by the program.  PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries contain no toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or mercury and are the most recyclable rechargeable chemistry on the market.

Nickel and zinc are among the Earth’s most abundant elements, found virtually everywhere in our daily lives. These natural elements are found in the earth, in the food you eat and in a wide variety of products. Both elements are readily recyclable and many products on the market today come from these recycled supplies.

About Nickel

Nickel has many uses from construction materials to food preparation, but its many favorable characteristics make it an excellent choice in the use of high powered rechargeable batteries. For more information on nickel, its many uses and its metallurgical properties, visit the Nickel Institute.

Zinc Facts

Zinc’s unique properties allow it to be used in an array of products from cosmetics, to baby powder, to precision parts for automobiles, airplanes and appliances. The International Zinc Association notes that one of the most useful characteristics of zinc is its resistance to atmospheric corrosion. The ranking of zinc in the electromotive series of metals (an indication of a metal’s tendency to oxidize, or give up electrons) positioned below magnesium and aluminum but above cadmium, iron, nickel and hydrogen, make it an exceptional material to use in conjunction with nickel when designing a battery. The electronegative characteristics of zinc have made it a popular choice in a variety of primary (single use) battery technologies for many years.

Recyclability

More than 6.5 million metric tons of zinc slab, oxides, powders and dusts are consumed each year in the Western World, two million of which come from recycled zinc. In the United States, the Bureau of Mines estimates that with enhanced recovery, recycled zinc will ultimately account for more than 40% of the total amount of zinc used

Meanwhile, nickel’s resistance to corrosion means that when most nickel-containing products are eventually discarded, they are still intact and easily identifiable (e.g., a kitchen sink made of stainless steel). This aids in the collection and sorting of nickel-containing products for recycling.

Sustainability

While abundant, both nickel and zinc are finite resources. However, their innate characteristics and recyclability assure environmentally sensitive availability for long-term development. Unlike many other materials nickel and zinc can be recycled again and again while maintaining their physical and chemical properties. There remains the same amount of each element at the end of a particular product cycle as at the beginning.

www.powergenix.com

PowerGenix Video

ChicoBag Reusable Eco Bags The average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags per year. If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plastic bags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the earth 760 times! The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag, now at depoteco.com

This bag is made from 7 plastic bottles 99% recycled content by weight rePETe Original

ChicoBag rePETe Original Canyon Brown

• Materials: Fabric 100% Recycled PET, Carabiner 97% Recycled Aluminium, Cord 100% Recycled PET, Cordlock 100% Recycled Polyurethane (Thread, Screen Print, Care Label Made from Virgin Material)
• Dimensions:Bag 18 x 14.5- Pouch 3×4 (approximately)
• Weight: 1.5 oz
• Capacity: 25 lbs. (One gallon of milk is approximately 7 lbs.)
• Washing: Machine wash cold and hang dry.
• See More Colors below

Vendor: Depoteco.com

ChicoBag rePETe Original reusable shopping bag now at DepotEco.com!

The ChicoBag rePETe Original follows the Original reusable shopping bag design but is made from 99% recycled content by weight! Each rePETe has uniquely accented handles with the phrase, “This bag is made from 7 plastic bottles!” accompanied by a custom illustration. A list of the recycled materials used in manufacturing the rePETe is printed on the inside of each bag. All ChicoBags are reusable shopping bags designed to be unforgettable. They effortlessly fit in your pocket when they are stuffed into their integrated stuff pouch. Design encourages you to always have your ChicoBag on hand or pocket or purse.

What is PET?

Polyethylene terephthalate, abbreviated PET, is found in the polyester family and often used in the production of beverage containers like plastic bottles.

Learn the Facts

The average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags per year. If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plastic bags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the earth 760 times! Learn more

Did You know…?

10 Things You Can Do to Create a Reusable Bag Habit in your Community

1. Wage a campaign in your town or city to end the use of single-use bags by encouraging legislators to implement a grocery bag fee. Contact advocacy@chicobag.com for more information.
2. Talk to local community and environmental groups about the bag issue and find out if they want to get involved.
3. Create a petition asking for your city to take on the single-use bag problem. Circulate it at schools, universities, the library, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and anywhere else where you can connect with your neighbors.
4. Encourage local retailers to start a smart bagging policy with these tips:
   - Offer a bag refund to customers who bring their own bags.
   - Place signs reminding people to bring their own bags
   - Create a reusable bag drop-off for others to use.
   - Create an in-store bag recycling program.
   - Sell reusable bags in their store.
5. Bring an extra reusable bag to the grocery story the next time you shop and give it away to a stranger who doesn’t have them. Ask them to “Pay it Forward” and give a bag away the next time they shop.
6. Write a letter to the newspaper explaining the environmental problems with paper and plastic bags. Use our resources to help you come up with talking points.
7. Start a ChicoBag fundraiser to raise money for an environmental or litter prevention group. Contact fundraisers@chicobag.com for more information!
8. Stage a Bag Monster sighting in your community. Contact bagmonster@chicobag.com to set it up!
9. Give your friends and family reusable bags as gifts for birthdays, graduation, housewarming parties, and special holidays.
10. Set a good example by just saying no to single-use bags when you’re at the store. Others in line will follow suit!

Buy Now Colors Below!

The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag ChicoBag rePETe Original Canyon Brown

$8.00

The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag ChicoBag rePETe Original Green Cypress

$8.00

The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag ChicoBag rePETe Original Moss Green

$8.00

The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag ChicoBag rePETe Original Pacific Blue

$8.00

The rePETe Original Reusable Shopping Bag ChicoBag rePETe Original Red Clay

$8.00

Pet Waste Cleanup & Lawn Care

by Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
Lawn Care Solutions

Keeping your lawn free of pet waste and looking its best can be a challenge for pet owners. Let’s face it, dog waste cleanup is not a task we look forward to. And the 4″ diameter brown polka dots in our yard from urine burns? Not very attractive.

Thankfully, there are a number of pet waste pickup and urine burn prevention products that help make cleanup easier, faster and more effective, and there are solutions for preventing urine burns. We’ll review a few of our favorites here.

Doggy Dooley In-Ground Digester systems are a convenient and environmentally safe way to dispose of your pet’s solid waste. You simply bury the unit in your yard so that the lid is flush with your grass, step on the trigger which makes the Doggy Dooley lid pop-up, and drop your pet’s waste inside. The stool digester solution that you add to the unit breaks down the waste into a harmless liquid that is absorbed into the earth beneath the unit. The Doggy Dooley dog waste system is convenient, it doesn’t make your garbage can smell, and it’s environmentally friendly.

Scooper Pans with Rake or Spade Potty Pick-up
Getting the dog waste to the In-Ground Digester system (or wherever you put it) is the part we don’t like. Fortunately there are tools to help make this job less unpleasant. Probably the most common products for pet waste cleanup are what are commonly called “pooper scoopers,” like The Grabber or a shovel and rake set. We would also hope that everyone practices responsible dog ownership courtesy and picks up after their dog when on walks, in parks, or if your dog wanders next door. Portable and disposable pick-up bags such as Dispoz-A-Scoop or Bottoms Up Waste Disposal Bags & Dispenser should be a product every pet owner has on hand.

Keeping Lawns Green
The nitrogen in your dog’s urine is what causes grass to die and leave brown and yellow marks in your otherwise beautiful lawn. The best way to prevent urine burns is to hose down the grass immediately after your dog eliminates, thus diluting the nitrogen and preventing it from burning your grass.

Lawn Guard® Treats There are products, such as Green Um you simply add to your pet’s food and it helps promote a healthy urinary tract. Our favorite, though, is the Lawn Guard® Treats because of their convenience and overall effectiveness. Because these products contain ingredients that work differently from dog to dog, we recommend starting with the Lawn Guard Treats and if you don’t see a noticeable improvement within a few weeks, try one of the other solutions.

Keeping your lawn free of pet waste is important for the health of your pet since very serious diseases, like parvovirus, can be transmitted through feces. We recommend immediate cleanup of stools, not only for the health of your pet, but also so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about your next step.

source: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?acatid=196&aid=1071&ref=4612&subref=AA&cmpid=E-_-ART-_-33009-_-DA

At DepotEco.com we’re celebrating Earth Day by offering specials on green, eco-friendly products that both minimize our impact on the earth and add simplicity to our own lives. We and our customers have come to realize that many of the green products we can use to help the environment can at the same time make our own routines more economical and practical. Every year millions of disposable bags, cups and batteries are added to landfills. One way to cut down on this waste, and on our own expenses, is to use reusable bags, reusable mugs, and rechargeable batteries. In honor of Earth Day we’re offering the following specials to make it easier than ever for people to make these simple changes.

Everyone who makes an order from DepotEco.com on Earth Day will receive a free ChicoBag “VITA” with DepotEco logo.  (limited one per household while supply’s last)

ChicoBags are reusable shopping bags made of  durable, woven polyester fibers. The bags come with a small pouch and when compressed they can fit in your pocket, yet they carry up to 25 lbs.! The average American reportedly uses 300-700 plastic bags per year. Using a reusable, recycled ChicoBag is a great way to avoid the use of plastic bags.

Our second Earth Day offer is to allow anybody making an order of $50 or more to purchase a Green Contigo AUTOSEAL Mug for only $9.99 rather than the regular $22.00 price (limited one per household while  supply’s last). The Stainless Steel AUTOSEAL Mug has a double wall, is vacuum-insulated and has a 100% leak proof lid that seals after every sip.

With these eco-friendly products you can greatly reduce your use of disposable cups and bags, but these aren’t the only changes we want to help you make this year.

Our final special is an Earth Day discount on the extremely popular Sanyo Eneloop Power Pack Kit, the perfect product to help you completely eliminate your use of disposable batteries and switch to a rechargeable battery system. The Eneloop Power Pack Kit combines all of your battery needs into a convenient kit. It comes equipped with a four position charger, eight AA Eneloop batteries, four AAA Eneloop batteries, two Eneloop C spacers and two Eneloop D spacers. To appreciate how many batteries you can save by buying this kit consider that 1 Eneloop rechargeable battery can replace 1,000 regular alkaline batteries.  For earth day only we will sell these Power Packs for 25% off the already discounted sign in rate.  Visit us on Earth Day to take advantage of this special deal. (limited one per household while  supply’s last)

Our sincere hope is that these Earth Day specials will help you to make some simple changes this year that are completely practical and will also minimize your footprint on the earth. We at DepotEco.com thank you for your interest in green, eco-friendly products and wish you a great Earth Day.

-Creative Productions online stores  (Depoteco.com , eneloopstore.com, eneloop PRO store, PilatesProducts.Pro)-

Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system?

Did you know thatmaintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home?

Did you know that you should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank?

If properly designed, constructed and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained,
you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars.  A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your
home, your septic system must be in good working order.

This guide will help you care for your septic system. It will help you understand how your system works and what steps you can take as a homeowner
to ensure your system will work properly.
Components
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually
reaches groundwater.
Your Septic System is your responsibility!
Howdoes it work?

1. Regularly inspect your system and pump your tank as necessary.
2. Use water efficiently.
3. Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
4. Care for your drainfield.

Top Four Things You Can Do to Protect Your Septic System
Typical septic system

Septic tank
The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the
wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the
septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield.
Newer tanks generally have risers with lids at the ground surface to allow easy location, inspection, and pumping of the tank.

Septic system aliases:
• On-lot system
• Onsite system
• Individual sewage disposal system
• Onsite sewage disposal system
• Onsite wastewater treatment system
Tip To prevent buildup, sludge and floating scum need to be removed through periodic pumping of the septic tank. Regular inspections and pumping are the best and cheapest way to keep your septic
system in good working order.  Typical single-compartment septic tank with ground-level inspection risers and screen
All of your household wastewater exits your home  through a pipe to the septic tank.

Drainfield
The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield  for further treatment by the soil. The partially treated waste water is pushed
along into the drainfield for further treatment every time new wastewater enters the tank. If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid, it will flood, causing
sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in plumbing fixtures and prevent treatment of all wastewater.
A reserve drainfield, required by many states, is an area on your property suitable for a new drainfield system if your current drainfield fails. Treat
this area with the same care as your septic system.
Soil
Septic tank wastewater flows to the drainfield, where it percolates into the soil, which provides final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses,
and nutrients. Suitable soil is necessary for successful wastewater treatment.
Alternative systems
Because many areas don’t have soils suitable for typical septic systems, you might have or need an alternative system. You might also have or need an
alternative system if there are too many typical septic systems in one area or the systems are too close to groundwater or surface waters.
Finding Your System
Your septic tank, drainfield, and reserve drainfield  should be clearly designated on the
“as-built” drawing for your home. (An “as-built” drawing is a line drawing that accurately portrays the buildings on your property and is usually filed in your local
land records.) You might also see lids or manhole covers for your septic tank. Older tanks are often hard to find because there
are no visible parts. An inspector/pumper can help you locate your septic system if your septic tank has no risers.

Systems systems use new technology to improve treatment processes and might need special care and maintenance. Some alternative systems use sand, peat,
or plastic media instead of soil to promote wastewater treatment. Other systems might use wetlands, lagoons, aerators, or disinfection devices.
Float switches, pumps, and other electrical or mechanical components are often used in alternative systems. Alternative systems should be inspected
annually. Check with your local health department or installer for more information on operation and maintenance needs if you have or need an
alternative system.
When septic systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained, they effectively reduce or eliminate most human health or environmental
threats posed by pollutants in household wastewater. However, they require regular maintenance or they can fail. Septic systems need to be monitored to
ensure that they work properly throughout their service lives.
Saving money
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often
the culprit. Having your septic system inspected regularly is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need
pumping depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your
property value and could pose a legal liability.
Protecting health and the environment
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. Typical

pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease - causing bacteria and viruses. If a septic system is working properly, it will
effectively remove most of these pollutants.
With one-fourth of U.S. homes using septic systems, more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater per day is dispersed below the ground’s surface.
Inadequately treated sewage from septic systems can be a cause of groundwater contamination. It poses a significant threat to drinking water and
human health because it can contaminate drinking water wells and cause diseases and infections in people and animals. Improperly treated sewage
that contaminates nearby surface waters also increases the chance of swimmers contracting a variety of infectious diseases. These range from eye
and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and diseases like hepatitis.
Inspect and pump frequently
You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped
as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years). Alternative systems with electrical float switches,
pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often, generally once a year. Your service provider
should inspect for leaks and look at the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is
within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your
tank needs to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by your service provider in
your operation and maintenance records.

This information will help you decide how often pumping is necessary.
How do I maintain my septic system?
What Does an
Inspection Include?
• Locating the system.
• Uncovering access holes.
• Flushing the toilets.
• Checking for signs of back up.
• Measuring scum and sludge layers.
• Identifying any leaks.
• Inspecting mechanical components.
• Pumping the tank if necessary.
Four major factors influence the frequency of pumping: the number of people in your household, the amount of wastewater generated (based on
the number of people in the household and the amount of water used), the volume of solids in the wastewater (for example, using a garbage disposal
increases the amount of solids), and septic tank size.
Some makers of septic tank additives claim that their products break down the sludge in septic tanks so the tanks never need to be pumped. Not
everyone agrees on the effectiveness of additives. In fact, septic tanks already contain the microbes they need for effective treatment. Periodic
pumping is a much better way to ensure that septic systems work properlyand provide many years of service. Regardless, every septic tank requires
periodic pumping.
In the service report, the pumper should note any repairs completed and whether the tank is in good condition. If the pumper recommends additional
repairs he or she can’t perform, hire someone to make the repairs as soon as possible.

Use water efficiently
Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200
gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use can improve the operation of
the septic system and reduce the risk of failure.
High-efficiency toilets
Toilet use accounts for 25 to 30 percent of household water use. Do you know how many gallons of water your toilet uses to empty the bowl? Most
older homes have toilets with 3.5- to 5-gallon reservoirs, while newer high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. If you have
problems with your septic system being flooded with household water, consider reducing the volume of water in the toilet tank if you don’t have a
high-efficiency model or replacing your existing toilets with high-efficiency models.

Faucet aerators and highefficiency showerheads
Faucet aerators help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system. High-efficiency showerheads
or shower flow restrictors also reduce water use.

Check to make sure your toilet’s reservoir isn’t leaking into the bowl.
Add five drops of liquid food coloring to the reservoir before bed. If the dye
is in the bowl the next morning, thereservoir is leaking and repairs are
needed.
A small drip from a faucet adds many gallons of unnecessary water to your system every day. To see how much a
leak adds to your water usage, place a cup under the drip for 10 minutes.
Multiply the amount of water in the cup by 144 (the number of minutes in 24 hours, divided by 10). This is the
total amount of clean water traveling to your septic system each day from that
little leak.
Use Water Efficiently!
• Install high-efficiency showerheads

• Fill the bathtub with only as much water as you need
• Turn off faucets while shaving or brushing your teeth
• Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they’re full
• Use toilets to flush sanitary waste only (not kitty litter, diapers, or other trash)
• Make sure all faucets are completely turned off when not in use
• Maintain your plumbing to eliminate leaks
• Install aerators in the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom
• Replace old dishwashers, toilets, and clothes washers with new, highefficiency models.

For more information on water conservation, please visit
http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm

This Very Popular LED Work Light is flying off our shelvs.

We really like it because it rechargeable and the LEDs allow the unit to stay bright for a long time.

Details blow.

Product Details

LED Rechargeable Work Light

• Flip-out kickstand for flexibility
• Built-in Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery Pack Included
• Swivel Hook
• High-Impact, shatter resistant housing
• Model: VEC164 - Brand: Vector

Detail Images

The extremely well-designed Vector VEC164 26 LED Foldable/Rechargeable Work Light & Flashlight is ideal for roadside emergencies, power failures, camping and much more! The Vector VEC164 features 180 degree of rotation for optimal light positioning with long lasting ultra-bright LED bulbs that never need replacing! With the Vector VEC164 you can get up to 7 hours of continuous use on low mode and up to 4 hours on high mode! Its water-resistant, shatterproof housing is great for outdoor use. 120 volt AC and 12 volt DC power/charging cords are also included. Built-in Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery Pack Included Swivel Hook High-Impact, shatter resistant housing Vector VEC164 26 LED Rechargeable Work Light $29.99

Brand Information Brand: Vector Model: VEC164

WE love great new products like these.  BPA Free, Spill Proof Hot/Cold Mugs. Kids Mugs to for Smaller hands.

Check them out .

You’ve got some money saved and going solar crossed your mind. But you’d rather have new floors or walls, or invest in the little addition you always wanted. Why not do both?

By Renee Macalino Rutledge, CalFinder Solar Contractors

---

Solar energy is making strides in many a home, but most homeowners still think it’s beyond them. Up-front costs in the tens of thousands loom large, and not every state’s got an encouraging rebate program to speak of. Then there’s the technology. Take the confusing reports of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), for instance. BIPV products are made from thin film solar cells, reportedly growing in efficiency, but still far behind the productivity of traditional silicon panels. Are they worth the investment? Issues such as this create a mental block that prevents a lot of homeowners from getting started.

groSolar makes solar easy Click or call 800.374.4494 ALT ENERGY COMPANIES Click Here

However, solar energy isn’t just a scientific novelty for big laboratories and power plants. And when it comes to residential applications, it does not begin and end with expensive PV panels. Several options are readily available for harvesting sunlight toward a more energy-efficient home, and, moreover, for a practical price. For many of us, the real challenge lies in getting the information, making some room alongside time-tested, traditional values, and finally, getting over the disbelief. Let these very real possibilities help you:

1.) Upgrade your water-heating system using solar thermal power.

Solar thermal is finally gaining ground, making a name for itself alongside its more publicized “cousin” – photovoltaics. Solar electricity, however, entails a more expensive, less efficient use of renewable energy. You can use 70% of the sun’s energy with a solar thermal collector, compared to a 12% conversion rate with PV panels. You do the math.

If you want to let the sun help you warm your water, you don’t even need to buy a new tank. Solar thermal systems can be retrofitted into existing water heating systems. Using this method, you would only spend $3,000 to $6,000.

2.)  Start with a small PV system and work your way up.

Back to photovoltaics for a moment. After all, the point isn’t to dismiss them altogether. The neat thing about these systems is you can choose the amount of energy you want to produce and the size of the system you want to start with. Paul Smith of Sunstream USA advises the following for homeowners on a budget:

“In most cases, a customer can attain a rebate that will cover approximately 40% of the cost of an array. When that sum is added to the state and federal tax credits, nearly 50% of the cost of an array can be covered. In most cases, residential customers can purchase up to a 10 Kilowatt system and receive a rebate. There is no reason why a customer couldn’t buy a smaller array (Perhaps a 4 Kilowatt system) and then enlarge it at a later date. The customer would still be eligible for the remaining 6 Kilowatts of rebate money whenever they might decide to add to their existing array.”

When it comes to recouping your money, keep savings in electricity costs in mind, as well as an increase in property value.

3.) Combine an existing remodeling project with passive solar methods.

You’ve got some money saved and going solar crossed your mind. But you’d rather have new floors or walls, or invest in the little addition you always wanted. Why not do both?

Passive solar homes have come to be known as “smarter” homes. Long before the solar panel was invented, our ancestors built their abodes in conjunction with the position of the sun. If you build your walls or floors with materials high in thermal mass, the house itself works for you, effectually absorbing, storing, and even distributing heat from the sun into your living spaces. All without mechanical devices or operational costs.

Concrete, brick, and water all have high thermal mass. Before we get too caught up in design, let’s get back to that addition. Why not make it a sunspace? If you’re strategic with placement, window installation, and the set up of your walls, your new addition can help collect heat when you need it, distributing it to the rest of your home and lowering your energy bills in the process.

4.) Forget CFLs, think LEDs.

Do you have any idea how long these little gizmos last? We’re not talking 25 hours – more like 25 years. LEDs are perfect for the garden. They bask in the sun all day long, transferring energy into a battery, which then powers the lighting device at night. They don’t even need to be plugged in. And they’re made for the indoors, too. The cost? A Cypress Solar Powered Metal Garden Accent, 2 Light Kit by Brinkmann is $69.95. Solar security lights by Silicon Solar range in price from $39.95 to $229.95.

5.) Take the burden off your AC.

For as low as $400, you can purchase a solar powered fan for your attic. As you know, heat rises, and poorly ventilated attic spaces are culprits to your air conditioning system and your electricity bill. Like other solar-powered solutions, solar attic fan draws power from the sun. Requiring no additional power, it’s absolutely free to run and keeps the air flowing freely through your home.

Thinking carefully about the way you use residential power, you’ll find that solar solutions fit in where you may never have expected them to. Remember, solar power solutions require, light, not heat, to run. So even if it gets downright cold where you live, most regions in the U.S. receive enough sunlight to make solar power viable. Even the small steps, taken collectively, will reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil and protect our global resources from further damage caused by processing nonrenewable resources.

Source: http://www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=08.10.01&article=rutledge

Update 11/26/08

Cyber Monday Holiday Deals at DepotEco.com and DepotEco on Amazon.com

Available 12:01 a.m.  Cyber Monday 12/01/08  Pacific Time

Back in stock just in time for Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday Eneloop Powerpack, eneloop Battery Charger w/ 8 AA & 2 AAA Batteries Plus 4 C & 4 D Size adapters.

• Charger unit model # NC-MQN06U
• Charge 2 or 4 batteries at the same time in pairs.
• UL approved, rechargeable, Recyclable !
• New Package Item # 277265

Free standard shipping !!  in the U.S.A. only

Cyber Monday Price: $32.00

Combining all of your battery needs into a convenient kit - that is the idea behind SANYO’s new eneloop Power Pack. The Power Pack comes equipped with a four position charger, eight AA eneloop batteries, two AAA eneloopbatteries, four eneloop C spacers and four eneloop D spacers, which makes this the perfect “battery store for your drawer.”

Sanyo Model # 277265

• eneloop Rechargeable Battery Power Pack
• Pre-charged Ni-MH rechargeable battery kit
• Economical: 1 eneloop = 1,000 alkaline batteries
• Worry-Free: eneloop works in any device that uses AA, AAA, C or D batteries
• Convenient: eneloop batteries are pre-charged and ready to use when you are

Cyber Monday eneloop power pack Price: $32.00 Free Ground Shipping!

Battery Charger Features:

• (Worldwide Voltage)
• Charges both AA and AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
• Foldaway plug; No cords or wall adapters needed
• Multi-color LED charge indicator lights
• * Coupon Code will not apply to this item on Cyber Monday at this Low price.
  

Cyber Monday Price: $32.00

All Cyber Monday orders over $150.00 will receive a free gift! While supplies last have your choice of 1 eneloop T shirt (XL only)  or 1 NEW food grade Polycarbonate eneloop water bottle.

While Supplies last please note your choice of free gift in the memo field when placing your order,free gift only applies to DepotEco.com web-site orders, sorry this does not apply to Amazon.com orders.

Also on Cyber Monday enter the coupon code “cyber monday ” for an additional 5%  site wide. Be sure to see our Green Gift Ideas with that 5% off coupon !

* some restrictions apply

Lastly, for the largest order of the day we will be giving away 1 CCRadio-SW AM/FM/Shortwave Radio.

A $139.00 Value!. This Will be determined at the end of Cyber Monday. The Customer with the highest overall total will be the Winner of the Radio.

Amazon Customers ? If you prefer to shop on Amazon.com this Cyber Monday Only ! Save 10% on each item when you spend $25.00 or more Amazon Items offered by DepotEco.  (restrictions apply).

Available 12:01 a.m.  Cyber Monday 12/01/08  Pacific Time