In the past week there has been an increasing interest in landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings is protection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping. Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers can reduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30 percent. Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving There have been studies that show that wind speeds around homes can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design for windbreaks depends on the use and exact location of the site. However, in most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from the northeast, thus, the maximum protection should be concentrated in the north east. A single row of conifers with staggered spacings is the best for protection from both wind and blowing snow. The wind is deflected up and over the screen, creating a well protected zone. The area of maximum protection can extend outward several times the height of the trees. If space is at a premium, fewer plants will be helpful, but the use of conifers and other densely…

Our solar pool covers are a quick and easy answer. These world-class South African made swimming pool covers are something of a marvel. Solar pool covers work just as well on the tiniest outdoor spa as they do on a movie-star monster pool, or a commercial/municipal installation. Putting aside the technicalities, our solar pool covers keep the water in your pool around six degrees warmer. Our swimming pool covers also help retain the warmth in heated pools and keep out most tree debris and other flying rubbish.

A power inverter converts DC (Direct Current) power from your solar or wind charged battery into AC (Alternating Current). Anything that plugs into a wall outlet in your home runs on AC. RV (Recreational Vehicle) power inverters are designed for use with RV mounted solar panels. Having an RV solar power system is like having a mini onboard power plant. It allows you the freedom and flexibility to camp out where there is no conventional power source; what’s commonly known as living off the grid. The key to portable solar powered success is investing in a properly sized power inverter. As with everything else, when you purchase an RV power inverter you get what you pay for. A well made power inverter should be efficient at all input levels, rugged enough to stand up to changing environments and won’t overheat while providing the power to run your small appliances. Various brand name inverters include Outback, Magnum, Xantrex and Go Power. Choosing and installing a properly sized inverter is a task best left to your local RV professional or alternative energy store. In order to pick out an RV inverter perfectly suited to your needs, you will have to provide your local…
Cape Solar Heating specialise in the design, supply and installation of quality solar pool heating systems within South Africa. With a reputation for excellence backed by our own solar pool heating systems which guarantee the best heating results for your pool, Cape Solar Heating should be the first company you call, for all your solar pool heating needs. All quotes are free and come without obligation.

One of the easiest ways to augment heat is to use southerly facing windows as passive SOLAR HEAT CATCHERS. This uses a plan similar to the outdoor hot box collectors seen at such sites as listed near the end of the article –but is done indoors and in an existing window. No carpentry needed! While outdoor mounted heat boxes do work, a much easier heat collector can be constructed with aluminum foil, tape and flat black paint using your south facing windows. We adapted the concept to fit a cheap budget. Just tape the collector over the window! If you want to leave the bottom of your windows exposed for light, just make your collector on the top of the window or vice versa! With this method we have cut our winter heating costs (we have all electric heat!!!) by over one half. It is very simple to do and very inexpensive for the benefits reaped. And it uses free solar power! We have heat catchers in all our east, south and south-west windows placed in back of existing drapes and blinds. Materials: a roll of heavy duty aluminum foil duct tape or packing tape, tacks, string or other means of securing foil to the window frame card board strips cut as…

Our Heat pumps have a digital controller allows you to control or adjust the temperature with the touch of a button.

Its simple reliable and easy to control.

The new programmable controller features a digital display that not only controls temperature, but also tells you the actual temperature of your pool or spa water.