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this is a free power a hand crank radio … freepower soloar power lights radios
Archive for the ‘Solar Power’ Category
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Friday, September 25th, 2009Soloar Power
Sunday, August 9th, 2009jmw1993 asked:
I built this solar powered thing, i have improved it since though…
Renewable Energy - Lesson 2 - Solar Power
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
David J Hughes asked:
People have been aware that the sun’s energy can be harnessed to power various devices and machines for years, but it is not until recently that the technology and the motivation has pushed people to seriously consider solar energy as a viable power source.
With the current state of the economy and with the growing move toward a more environmentally responsible lifestyle, many people are considering various forms of renewable energy and “green living” principals. Solar power is usually at the top of the list when it comes to renewable energy sources. Solar power has been used for years by the government and various businesses, but it has only recently come into the mainstream for the everyday average household.
In almost any area of the country it is possible to dramatically cut one’s electric bill by installing and maintaining solar panels. Some people are even able to go entirely off the grid and power their homes completely independently of the traditional local electric company, all by solar power. While going off the grid may be an intimidating prospect for some, there is absolutely no reason why a household cannot install solar panels on the roof and greatly reduce the monthly electric bills.
Until recently, the cost to buy and install residential solar panels has been prohibitively high, and not everyone has the technical know how to do it themselves. However, with the shift toward renewable energy, many companies have seen this as an opportunity in an untapped industry and have started offering solar panels at much more competitive and affordable prices. The installation and upkeep of the solar panels is very easy and affordable. Many households find that they can pay for the solar panels in less than a year through the reduced electric bills they produce.
Obviously, once the panels are installed, the solar power is completely free and produces absolutely no harmful emissions, unlike traditional fossil fuels. As the technology becomes more mainstream, manufacturers and builders are constantly refining their techniques to make the solar panels more efficient, durable and innovative.
Recently, some builders have started to integrate solar power into their overall design by including solar panels as standard features on top of garages and in other unobtrusive places such as the roofs of gazebos, tops of pool houses, and on every available foot of roof space in general. Some pool decks are being built with embedded solar cells. As the renewable energy movement continues, more and more builders will find it necessary to integrate a solar power plan into their overall building plan in order to stay competitive with all the other builders who are doing the same.
Solar power is one of the easiest and best solutions to not only help the environment and climate, but to save significant amounts of money in electric bills as well. With solar power components being more affordable now than ever before, every homeowner should at least consider installing solar panels.
People have been aware that the sun’s energy can be harnessed to power various devices and machines for years, but it is not until recently that the technology and the motivation has pushed people to seriously consider solar energy as a viable power source.
With the current state of the economy and with the growing move toward a more environmentally responsible lifestyle, many people are considering various forms of renewable energy and “green living” principals. Solar power is usually at the top of the list when it comes to renewable energy sources. Solar power has been used for years by the government and various businesses, but it has only recently come into the mainstream for the everyday average household.
In almost any area of the country it is possible to dramatically cut one’s electric bill by installing and maintaining solar panels. Some people are even able to go entirely off the grid and power their homes completely independently of the traditional local electric company, all by solar power. While going off the grid may be an intimidating prospect for some, there is absolutely no reason why a household cannot install solar panels on the roof and greatly reduce the monthly electric bills.
Until recently, the cost to buy and install residential solar panels has been prohibitively high, and not everyone has the technical know how to do it themselves. However, with the shift toward renewable energy, many companies have seen this as an opportunity in an untapped industry and have started offering solar panels at much more competitive and affordable prices. The installation and upkeep of the solar panels is very easy and affordable. Many households find that they can pay for the solar panels in less than a year through the reduced electric bills they produce.
Obviously, once the panels are installed, the solar power is completely free and produces absolutely no harmful emissions, unlike traditional fossil fuels. As the technology becomes more mainstream, manufacturers and builders are constantly refining their techniques to make the solar panels more efficient, durable and innovative.
Recently, some builders have started to integrate solar power into their overall design by including solar panels as standard features on top of garages and in other unobtrusive places such as the roofs of gazebos, tops of pool houses, and on every available foot of roof space in general. Some pool decks are being built with embedded solar cells. As the renewable energy movement continues, more and more builders will find it necessary to integrate a solar power plan into their overall building plan in order to stay competitive with all the other builders who are doing the same.
Solar power is one of the easiest and best solutions to not only help the environment and climate, but to save significant amounts of money in electric bills as well. With solar power components being more affordable now than ever before, every homeowner should at least consider installing solar panels.
Renewable Energy - The Basics On Solar And Wind Power
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Koz Huseyin asked:
The use of Solar and wind power is becoming more and more common, and in demand. As we move forward, we are learning it is not just about humanity we need to take care of, but also nature and our environment. As you read this article, you will discover more about solar and wind power.
As you read this article, you will discover these points about solar and wind power:
* What is solar and wind power?
* Benefits of solar and wind power
* Solar and wind power - which is best?
* What is solar and wind power?
Our everyday actions are only capable of happening because of one thing - energy. Energy which is also referred to as power is essential. Not only is energy essential to make our bodies function, it is essential to make our planet function, and also to make your car go!
Our use of energy for our appliances and making our car function has generally been based on fossil fuels. The problem is that these fuels emit waste into our environment. The solution is alternative energy sources, and here solar power and wind power can become that source.
First, the term solar power is used to describe the number of methods which include the harnessing of energy from our Sun. Wind power uses the power of the wind to transform energy into a more usable energy such as electricity.
Solar power can be used for a number of different purposes. Solar energy can be converted into electricity, with the aid of solar power panels or it can be used directly to heat water.
* Benefits of solar and wind power
There are many benefits of using the energy of the Sun or the wind. The Sun emits a vast abundant stream of life giving energy to the Earth. In one hour, the power from the Sun hitting Earth is enough to power all our electric needs for an entire year!
This is renewable energy, and it doesn’t leave any waste products. Also solar and wind power systems will last a long time. So, each year of use, you will find that you actually go into a profit!
With solar and wind power, not only is no waste produced, it also has the added benefit of not having to burn as much fossil fuels. This can really make a positive difference to our environment.
* Solar and wind power - which is best?
The question now comes, which is best - solar power or wind power? The answer will have to come from you! You see, both options are great; however, it depends on your needs and environment.
For example, living in a very sunny and hot country could result in you going for a solar heating system or entire solar energy for your home electricity needs. Being in a colder country could mean it is better to go for wind power.
The use of Solar and wind power is becoming more and more common, and in demand. As we move forward, we are learning it is not just about humanity we need to take care of, but also nature and our environment. As you read this article, you will discover more about solar and wind power.
As you read this article, you will discover these points about solar and wind power:
* What is solar and wind power?
* Benefits of solar and wind power
* Solar and wind power - which is best?
* What is solar and wind power?
Our everyday actions are only capable of happening because of one thing - energy. Energy which is also referred to as power is essential. Not only is energy essential to make our bodies function, it is essential to make our planet function, and also to make your car go!
Our use of energy for our appliances and making our car function has generally been based on fossil fuels. The problem is that these fuels emit waste into our environment. The solution is alternative energy sources, and here solar power and wind power can become that source.
First, the term solar power is used to describe the number of methods which include the harnessing of energy from our Sun. Wind power uses the power of the wind to transform energy into a more usable energy such as electricity.
Solar power can be used for a number of different purposes. Solar energy can be converted into electricity, with the aid of solar power panels or it can be used directly to heat water.
* Benefits of solar and wind power
There are many benefits of using the energy of the Sun or the wind. The Sun emits a vast abundant stream of life giving energy to the Earth. In one hour, the power from the Sun hitting Earth is enough to power all our electric needs for an entire year!
This is renewable energy, and it doesn’t leave any waste products. Also solar and wind power systems will last a long time. So, each year of use, you will find that you actually go into a profit!
With solar and wind power, not only is no waste produced, it also has the added benefit of not having to burn as much fossil fuels. This can really make a positive difference to our environment.
* Solar and wind power - which is best?
The question now comes, which is best - solar power or wind power? The answer will have to come from you! You see, both options are great; however, it depends on your needs and environment.
For example, living in a very sunny and hot country could result in you going for a solar heating system or entire solar energy for your home electricity needs. Being in a colder country could mean it is better to go for wind power.
Diy Wind Power:
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
pratibha asked:
Diy wind power is a major part of renewable energy systems. In this age of global warming when organizations are working hard to make people realize that we should adopt a lifestyle that is environment friendly. We must think about making maximum use of some features that nature is providing us. They are cost effective and immensely available. Yes, we are talking about Wind Power. Wind power is used to stop emissions into the atmosphere from conventional power systems. The wind holds remarkable energy and so harvesting it using a windmill is a very cost effective way to make power.
Wind generators called turbines are a good pick for home consumption and you can either use grid connection or battery system, depending on your own preference. On the other hand Renewable energy is sort of unreliable, besides being a difficulty shot to produce. Conversely wind power is much easier to produce and can fulfill almost 50% of energy needs for home consumption. Production of power through renewable means is feasible if you are ready to invest heavily. But if you are looking for an economic way out, with small investment then wind power is for you, and it is really good to be used for home. They come in many shapes and sizes, choose which suits your needs better.
Coming to the wind generator, its main purpose is to generate electricity in the system. Modern wind generator today is known as three-bladed wind generator. They are good for rotor balance and efficient in use. Rotational speed of the wind turbine determines the voltage and frequency of the generator. Wind electric systems can provide electricity on remote, off-grid sites, or right in town connected to the utility grid. So far maintenance and up being is concerned, as compare to solar-electric systems Wind systems asks for more attention and maintenance.
Wind turbines are not limited to only home consumption; they are equally popular in the public work sector. In fact they provide many advantages to public sector buildings, schools, offices and to local authorities. Public sector estate can become carbon neutral. It can benefit from on-grid environmentally sound energy and generate revenue from excess energy production. Small wind turbines protect themselves from high winds by changing the pitch of the blades. Governments are able to eliminate energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, by adopting wind turbine technology. You can understand that wind power has a lot more potential and it is consumer friendly also, besides being environment friendly. And at the end of the day there’s nothing quite like watching your wind generator convert your wind storm into electrical energy…what do you think?
Diy wind power is a major part of renewable energy systems. In this age of global warming when organizations are working hard to make people realize that we should adopt a lifestyle that is environment friendly. We must think about making maximum use of some features that nature is providing us. They are cost effective and immensely available. Yes, we are talking about Wind Power. Wind power is used to stop emissions into the atmosphere from conventional power systems. The wind holds remarkable energy and so harvesting it using a windmill is a very cost effective way to make power.
Wind generators called turbines are a good pick for home consumption and you can either use grid connection or battery system, depending on your own preference. On the other hand Renewable energy is sort of unreliable, besides being a difficulty shot to produce. Conversely wind power is much easier to produce and can fulfill almost 50% of energy needs for home consumption. Production of power through renewable means is feasible if you are ready to invest heavily. But if you are looking for an economic way out, with small investment then wind power is for you, and it is really good to be used for home. They come in many shapes and sizes, choose which suits your needs better.
Coming to the wind generator, its main purpose is to generate electricity in the system. Modern wind generator today is known as three-bladed wind generator. They are good for rotor balance and efficient in use. Rotational speed of the wind turbine determines the voltage and frequency of the generator. Wind electric systems can provide electricity on remote, off-grid sites, or right in town connected to the utility grid. So far maintenance and up being is concerned, as compare to solar-electric systems Wind systems asks for more attention and maintenance.
Wind turbines are not limited to only home consumption; they are equally popular in the public work sector. In fact they provide many advantages to public sector buildings, schools, offices and to local authorities. Public sector estate can become carbon neutral. It can benefit from on-grid environmentally sound energy and generate revenue from excess energy production. Small wind turbines protect themselves from high winds by changing the pitch of the blades. Governments are able to eliminate energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, by adopting wind turbine technology. You can understand that wind power has a lot more potential and it is consumer friendly also, besides being environment friendly. And at the end of the day there’s nothing quite like watching your wind generator convert your wind storm into electrical energy…what do you think?
Thinking About Building A Solar Power System
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Douglas Taylor asked:
More and more people today are now looking for alternative ways of supplying power that they need in order to run appliances and equipment in their home. For some people because of where they live setting up a solar powered system is the ideal choice. In this article, we go through a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration if you are thinking about building a solar power system.
One of the first things that you should be doing in order to see if building a solar powered system is a viable option is to find out how much sunlight you get each day where you live. To do this you need to check out weather data for the area where you live or use a solar energy map, which you can easily find online.
The next thing that you need to do when considering building your own solar powered energy system is to calculate how much power it is you actually use. The easiest way of doing his by looking at the bills, you receive for your electricity company and then dividing the figures up so that they provide you an average of what you would use on a weekly basis. To work out what your weekly power consumption for your home is you take the total monthly figure off of your electricity bill and then divide this by 4.3.
Along with knowing how much sunlight, you are likely to get and how much power it is you will need to be able carry on running all appliances and equipment in your home there are other factors, which need to be taken into consideration. You need to make a decision on the kind of inverters you will be using, how many solar panels you will need and how many batteries you will need to store the energy in.
When it comes to selecting the inverters for your system, which is what converts the sunlight that has been collected by the solar panels in to AC power rather than DC power. All inverters will be rated according to their continuous and surge wattage. So the more power you are likely to use then the much higher these wattage ratings will need to be.
As for the batteries, you need ones that will be able to take continuous charges of electricity into them. Therefore, car batteries are not suitable simply because they are not designed to be able to collect and store large amounts of power at any time. The kind of batteries that you should be selecting to use when it comes to building your own solar powered system is say a marine or golf cart battery.
Of course, when it comes to someone actually choosing to build a solar powered system they must not forget about the solar panels. It is important that you carry out plenty of research on this item in order to ensure that you have the right ones for yours. As you will soon discover when looking for these panels there are a number of different sized panels to choose from. So take your time and look for those that will help to collect sufficient amounts of sunlight for your own particular requirements.
More and more people today are now looking for alternative ways of supplying power that they need in order to run appliances and equipment in their home. For some people because of where they live setting up a solar powered system is the ideal choice. In this article, we go through a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration if you are thinking about building a solar power system.
One of the first things that you should be doing in order to see if building a solar powered system is a viable option is to find out how much sunlight you get each day where you live. To do this you need to check out weather data for the area where you live or use a solar energy map, which you can easily find online.
The next thing that you need to do when considering building your own solar powered energy system is to calculate how much power it is you actually use. The easiest way of doing his by looking at the bills, you receive for your electricity company and then dividing the figures up so that they provide you an average of what you would use on a weekly basis. To work out what your weekly power consumption for your home is you take the total monthly figure off of your electricity bill and then divide this by 4.3.
Along with knowing how much sunlight, you are likely to get and how much power it is you will need to be able carry on running all appliances and equipment in your home there are other factors, which need to be taken into consideration. You need to make a decision on the kind of inverters you will be using, how many solar panels you will need and how many batteries you will need to store the energy in.
When it comes to selecting the inverters for your system, which is what converts the sunlight that has been collected by the solar panels in to AC power rather than DC power. All inverters will be rated according to their continuous and surge wattage. So the more power you are likely to use then the much higher these wattage ratings will need to be.
As for the batteries, you need ones that will be able to take continuous charges of electricity into them. Therefore, car batteries are not suitable simply because they are not designed to be able to collect and store large amounts of power at any time. The kind of batteries that you should be selecting to use when it comes to building your own solar powered system is say a marine or golf cart battery.
Of course, when it comes to someone actually choosing to build a solar powered system they must not forget about the solar panels. It is important that you carry out plenty of research on this item in order to ensure that you have the right ones for yours. As you will soon discover when looking for these panels there are a number of different sized panels to choose from. So take your time and look for those that will help to collect sufficient amounts of sunlight for your own particular requirements.
Blowing Away the Myths of Wind Power
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
PXR5 asked:
Wind power is considered by many as an emerging technology, the truth of the matter is we have been using wind power for many hundreds of years to grind our corn and even for milking our cattle. With the dawn of the industrial revolution the use of wind to power machinery fell by the wayside as steam and eventually electricity grew in popularity.
Recent environmental concerns have made way for the return of wind power, and in its wake came a host of myths, mistruths and misunderstandings. This article aims to dispel some of the common myths of wind power.
Wind turbines are only efficient in high winds
This is a common misconception regarding wind turbines. Obviously the more wind there is the more electricity each wind turbine will generate, but even in a light breeze both large commercial wind turbines and the smaller residential wind turbines will generate an acceptable amount of electricity. As the wind speed changes, the angle of the turbines blades will adjust themselves accordingly to achieve maximum efficiency, regardless of wind speed.
Wind turbines are noisy
This may have been true in the past as many early wind turbines had no noise emission guidelines to adhere to. Also, wind turbine manufacturers and wind power companies didn’t really consider the impact a large scale wind farm would have on nearby residential areas. These early wind turbines are the source of the current ‘wind turbines are noisy’ myth. Over the last decade wind turbine technology had progressed considerably, rendering mechanical noise almost undetectable.
Wind farm planners have strict guidelines to adhere to in order to protect nearby residential areas from noise emissions. This doesn’t mean that wind farms are silent as there is an audible ‘swoosh’ as the turbines blades pass the tower; however this is only heard at a relatively close range.
Wind farms are not cost effective
Twenty to thirty years ago, wind farms and wind turbine technology was a victim of trial and error to a certain extent. Let us not confuse older, noisier and more costly wind farms with their modern counterparts. In the early 1980’s over 5000 wind turbines were put in place at the Tehachapi Pass in California. These days wind farms consist of fewer, larger wind turbines which have proved not only more cost effective but more attractive on the eye than the early wind farms which dotted the landscape with hundreds of smaller wind turbines.
Home wind turbines are a waste of time and money
The smaller home wind turbines are more often than not used in combination with an array of solar panels. The wind turbine will continue to charge the batteries through the night even in a light breeze meaning a steady trickle of electricity is potentially available 24 hours a day. Prices of home wind turbines vary depending on the output power and installation cost. A small residential wind turbine will reduce an average electricity bill by around 20-35%. Or to put it another way, a residential wind turbine would save around half a ton of CO2 each year.
Wind farms kill birds
It is true that a considerable number of birds have flown into the blades of wind turbines and as a result have been injured or even killed. Saying that, it is also true that a large number of birds are killed each year as a result of flying into tall buildings or are hit by cars, trains, trucks and busses. It is an unfortunate fact that human impact on the environment does take its toll on wildlife to a certain extent; however, wind farms do not pose any considerable threat to birds or any other form of wildlife.
Wind power is considered by many as an emerging technology, the truth of the matter is we have been using wind power for many hundreds of years to grind our corn and even for milking our cattle. With the dawn of the industrial revolution the use of wind to power machinery fell by the wayside as steam and eventually electricity grew in popularity.
Recent environmental concerns have made way for the return of wind power, and in its wake came a host of myths, mistruths and misunderstandings. This article aims to dispel some of the common myths of wind power.
Wind turbines are only efficient in high winds
This is a common misconception regarding wind turbines. Obviously the more wind there is the more electricity each wind turbine will generate, but even in a light breeze both large commercial wind turbines and the smaller residential wind turbines will generate an acceptable amount of electricity. As the wind speed changes, the angle of the turbines blades will adjust themselves accordingly to achieve maximum efficiency, regardless of wind speed.
Wind turbines are noisy
This may have been true in the past as many early wind turbines had no noise emission guidelines to adhere to. Also, wind turbine manufacturers and wind power companies didn’t really consider the impact a large scale wind farm would have on nearby residential areas. These early wind turbines are the source of the current ‘wind turbines are noisy’ myth. Over the last decade wind turbine technology had progressed considerably, rendering mechanical noise almost undetectable.
Wind farm planners have strict guidelines to adhere to in order to protect nearby residential areas from noise emissions. This doesn’t mean that wind farms are silent as there is an audible ‘swoosh’ as the turbines blades pass the tower; however this is only heard at a relatively close range.
Wind farms are not cost effective
Twenty to thirty years ago, wind farms and wind turbine technology was a victim of trial and error to a certain extent. Let us not confuse older, noisier and more costly wind farms with their modern counterparts. In the early 1980’s over 5000 wind turbines were put in place at the Tehachapi Pass in California. These days wind farms consist of fewer, larger wind turbines which have proved not only more cost effective but more attractive on the eye than the early wind farms which dotted the landscape with hundreds of smaller wind turbines.
Home wind turbines are a waste of time and money
The smaller home wind turbines are more often than not used in combination with an array of solar panels. The wind turbine will continue to charge the batteries through the night even in a light breeze meaning a steady trickle of electricity is potentially available 24 hours a day. Prices of home wind turbines vary depending on the output power and installation cost. A small residential wind turbine will reduce an average electricity bill by around 20-35%. Or to put it another way, a residential wind turbine would save around half a ton of CO2 each year.
Wind farms kill birds
It is true that a considerable number of birds have flown into the blades of wind turbines and as a result have been injured or even killed. Saying that, it is also true that a large number of birds are killed each year as a result of flying into tall buildings or are hit by cars, trains, trucks and busses. It is an unfortunate fact that human impact on the environment does take its toll on wildlife to a certain extent; however, wind farms do not pose any considerable threat to birds or any other form of wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for Your Home
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
d letro asked:
Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for your Home
Due to the high cost of utility usage today coupled with the concerns of our environment by energy waste and pollution, many people around the world are taking a closer look into renewable energy solutions. One of the most popular topics on renewable energy solutions is wind power. Wind is an energy source that is free and constant and will never run out. Ways to harness this power for good use have been implemented down the time. With more efficient technology, one is able to harness all the free wind energy one would need and then some.
The #1 Question:
· How much does it cost? Is all the equipment of a windmill expensive?
With patience, one could pick up all materials needed and build one for less than $200.00. Some of the materials can even be found for free.
· How difficult is it to build?
Today? Not very difficult at all with all the homemade wind generator resources out there. Find a set of plans that are easy, step by step instructions. Make sure there are plenty of diagrams and pictures. And make sure you can understand it. Terminology in layman’s terms obviously is the best. With all the proper pieces, your wind generator can be built in less than a day.
· How much wind is needed?
Very light winds between 5-15 mph. There is a cut in range, when the blades are beginning to produce power and a survival range, the max wind speed it can handle before the blades “fly off the handle”
· How much space do I need?
Wind generators that are homemade take up a small footprint. Using an old homeowners radio tower or TV antenna, many times these items are unnoticeable being now immune to our eyes as part of the landscape. If you are storing electricity in batteries, you will need the space of a small trunk to more if your windmill is larger.
· How do I save money?
Obviously, the less power you have to buy from your local power company, the more you will save.
· Can I make money by going to a wind generator?
Yes, if you live in a location that offers to buy your excess power. This is called net metering. Check with your local power company to see if they offer incentives such as net metering, credits or rebate programs.
· Is it safe?
Energy in any form is inherently dangerous. Just as with any industry, there are hazards for those who work with wind energy, dealing with high winds, heights, and moving machinery such as the spinning of the wind turbine rotor. The damage caused by wind energy is evidenced everywhere. When wind kills, it is well known. Building your own wind generator is safe as long as you put safety 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for your Home
Due to the high cost of utility usage today coupled with the concerns of our environment by energy waste and pollution, many people around the world are taking a closer look into renewable energy solutions. One of the most popular topics on renewable energy solutions is wind power. Wind is an energy source that is free and constant and will never run out. Ways to harness this power for good use have been implemented down the time. With more efficient technology, one is able to harness all the free wind energy one would need and then some.
The #1 Question:
· How much does it cost? Is all the equipment of a windmill expensive?
With patience, one could pick up all materials needed and build one for less than $200.00. Some of the materials can even be found for free.
· How difficult is it to build?
Today? Not very difficult at all with all the homemade wind generator resources out there. Find a set of plans that are easy, step by step instructions. Make sure there are plenty of diagrams and pictures. And make sure you can understand it. Terminology in layman’s terms obviously is the best. With all the proper pieces, your wind generator can be built in less than a day.
· How much wind is needed?
Very light winds between 5-15 mph. There is a cut in range, when the blades are beginning to produce power and a survival range, the max wind speed it can handle before the blades “fly off the handle”
· How much space do I need?
Wind generators that are homemade take up a small footprint. Using an old homeowners radio tower or TV antenna, many times these items are unnoticeable being now immune to our eyes as part of the landscape. If you are storing electricity in batteries, you will need the space of a small trunk to more if your windmill is larger.
· How do I save money?
Obviously, the less power you have to buy from your local power company, the more you will save.
· Can I make money by going to a wind generator?
Yes, if you live in a location that offers to buy your excess power. This is called net metering. Check with your local power company to see if they offer incentives such as net metering, credits or rebate programs.
· Is it safe?
Energy in any form is inherently dangerous. Just as with any industry, there are hazards for those who work with wind energy, dealing with high winds, heights, and moving machinery such as the spinning of the wind turbine rotor. The damage caused by wind energy is evidenced everywhere. When wind kills, it is well known. Building your own wind generator is safe as long as you put safety 1st.
Advantages of Solar Power Vs Disadvantages of Solar Power
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Dave Stilman asked:
Many households are considering of converting their home energy to be solar powered for the purpose of cutting down their electricity bills while saving our planet with this environmental friendly power source. But, not many are taking their action to make the real conversion to a solar-powered home because they are still doubt on the advantages of solar power that they can really get after the conversion while they do worry about the potential problems that may encountered after they make the conversion. Let briefly go through the advantages versus the disadvantages of solar power, so that you are cleared before you make your decision on whether to use solar-powered energy at home.
Advantages of Solar Power
Solar power is a renewable source generated from the sun, meaning that the solar energy source is never going to finish. So, we do not need to worry about we may jeopardy of the energy source if you over use it.
Solar power is environmental friendly energy source. Unlike oil, the use of solar energy will never causes green house effects or emits carcinogens into the air and causes the air pollution.
The sun is FREE. Unlike the traditional energy source which you need to pay more if you use more, there is not limit on how much you can use the energy generated from solar power, and you do not need to think of the electricity cost when you use a solar-powered energy generator, because the sun is FOC (Free of Charge).
Little maintenance cost on solar power system. Solar cells can last for a lifetime and because there are no moving parts, it needs very little maintenance. You do not really need to allocate significant budget for it maintenance cost.
Disadvantages of Solar Power
The key stopping factor that makes most of people who are interested to install solar power system is the total cost is expensive. A solar power system that provides enough energy to power an average sized home can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. Seeing the potential market demand on solar power system, the industries with continue research efforts are trying to reduce the material costs. Moreover, there are many simple-to-follow DIY instruction manuals had been made published to teach people how to build their own solar power system using cheap materials which can be found at local market.
The solar power can be generated without sunlight, which means the power cannot be created at night, during rain and winter season when sun is hiding behind the cloud. This had been one of key discouragement of using solar power as the alternative power solution.
If you build the solar panel at the roof of your home, it becomes part of the house. You may need to sell it together with your house if you decide to move to a new home. And you need to reinstall the solar power system at your new home.
Summary
You should clearly understand of both the advantages and the disadvantages of solar power system before you go ahead to convert your home to be solar-powered so that you can really benefited from the advantages of solar power while handling the disadvantages of solar power to minimize the impacts.
Many households are considering of converting their home energy to be solar powered for the purpose of cutting down their electricity bills while saving our planet with this environmental friendly power source. But, not many are taking their action to make the real conversion to a solar-powered home because they are still doubt on the advantages of solar power that they can really get after the conversion while they do worry about the potential problems that may encountered after they make the conversion. Let briefly go through the advantages versus the disadvantages of solar power, so that you are cleared before you make your decision on whether to use solar-powered energy at home.
Advantages of Solar Power
Solar power is a renewable source generated from the sun, meaning that the solar energy source is never going to finish. So, we do not need to worry about we may jeopardy of the energy source if you over use it.
Solar power is environmental friendly energy source. Unlike oil, the use of solar energy will never causes green house effects or emits carcinogens into the air and causes the air pollution.
The sun is FREE. Unlike the traditional energy source which you need to pay more if you use more, there is not limit on how much you can use the energy generated from solar power, and you do not need to think of the electricity cost when you use a solar-powered energy generator, because the sun is FOC (Free of Charge).
Little maintenance cost on solar power system. Solar cells can last for a lifetime and because there are no moving parts, it needs very little maintenance. You do not really need to allocate significant budget for it maintenance cost.
Disadvantages of Solar Power
The key stopping factor that makes most of people who are interested to install solar power system is the total cost is expensive. A solar power system that provides enough energy to power an average sized home can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. Seeing the potential market demand on solar power system, the industries with continue research efforts are trying to reduce the material costs. Moreover, there are many simple-to-follow DIY instruction manuals had been made published to teach people how to build their own solar power system using cheap materials which can be found at local market.
The solar power can be generated without sunlight, which means the power cannot be created at night, during rain and winter season when sun is hiding behind the cloud. This had been one of key discouragement of using solar power as the alternative power solution.
If you build the solar panel at the roof of your home, it becomes part of the house. You may need to sell it together with your house if you decide to move to a new home. And you need to reinstall the solar power system at your new home.
Summary
You should clearly understand of both the advantages and the disadvantages of solar power system before you go ahead to convert your home to be solar-powered so that you can really benefited from the advantages of solar power while handling the disadvantages of solar power to minimize the impacts.
Wind Power Generators - All Natural Power Plants
Monday, June 15th, 2009
William Michaels asked:
While the technology for using wind power has been with us for thousands of years, the use of this alternative power source for the generation of electricity has never really gone mainstream. Coal and natural gas-fired power plants are efficient and convenient, but they use fossil fuels, and these fuels are definitely finite resources. Wind power is as limitless as the sun and wind.
Wind Power is Coming Around.
Wind is not a common source of energy today but soaring coal, oil and natural gas costs and the negative eco-effects of these conventional fuels have ignited a new interest in alternative renewable energy sources. Along with solar power panels and collectors, windmills can now be seen blossoming in fields across the country and are proving to be a viable source of energy as long as there is a constant enough supply of quality wind.
Are Alternative Energy Sources Reliable?
A wind power generator, as the name implies, is technology that makes electrical energy from air currents. As people who live in windy areas of the U.S. know, wind energy is abundant - and free. But is it reliable enough to provide a constant source of electricity - similar to a modern fossil-fueled power plant? The simple answer - no. Harnessing wind energy can be a great addition to an alternative power generation plan (usually paired with solar), but you should always have an alternative (public utilities) as a back-up for those rare times when there is no wind or sun. Of course, before you consider installing a wind power generator, research is in order to determine if the location for the windmill will get enough wind to make the investment worthwhile.
Physics Is Your Friend.
A wind power generator operates by the theory of Conservation of Energy, or more specifically, kinetic energy. Kinetic energy of the wind or airflow impinges upon the rotor blades of the windmill, then is turned into mechanical energy as the generator is spun. This mechanical energy is converted into electrical power by the generator, to be used immediately, or stored in batteries or capacitors. In the early history of wind power, this rotational energy was used to grind grain and pump water.
Wind Power as a Supplement.
As was mentioned above, it may be totally impractical to live off-grid with alternative energy as the sole sources of power for your home, although there are those who do live completely off-grid. To live completely off-grid, you must be extremely efficient with energy use (and storage), and alway be aware of reserves and future needs. For most alternative energy users, wind power is used in conjunction with other sources of electrical power - solar and grid. During good times, many generate excess power and can sell this excess power back to their utility companies.
Location, Location, Location.
There are a few criteria for placing a windmill on your property. Ideally, your home will sit on a good-sized lot in a relatively roomy rural or near-rural development. The tower height that supports the generator can be critical, and research should be done to determine local building codes. Newer and better technology is coming on-line every day that permits installation of power-generating windmills in ever-smaller locations - always do your research and make sure you’re getting the system for your environment.
Technology Here Now.
Making electrical power from the wind is not a new science, rather it is an continually evolving technology based on actual needs. There’s plenty of information - books and other materials - available now on the topics of alternative power generation. Many new sources of do-it-yourself guides have sprung up lately, and some are of good quality.. With this in mind, always do your research carefully and completely before you commit to any particular system. Then, as you watch the blades of your own wind power generator spin, the satisfaction of knowing you did this yourself (with a little help) can be realized.
I’ve looked at some of the more popular plans on how to build your own windmill. What did I learn? Read this review and save yourself a lot of wasted time and money.
While the technology for using wind power has been with us for thousands of years, the use of this alternative power source for the generation of electricity has never really gone mainstream. Coal and natural gas-fired power plants are efficient and convenient, but they use fossil fuels, and these fuels are definitely finite resources. Wind power is as limitless as the sun and wind.
Wind Power is Coming Around.
Wind is not a common source of energy today but soaring coal, oil and natural gas costs and the negative eco-effects of these conventional fuels have ignited a new interest in alternative renewable energy sources. Along with solar power panels and collectors, windmills can now be seen blossoming in fields across the country and are proving to be a viable source of energy as long as there is a constant enough supply of quality wind.
Are Alternative Energy Sources Reliable?
A wind power generator, as the name implies, is technology that makes electrical energy from air currents. As people who live in windy areas of the U.S. know, wind energy is abundant - and free. But is it reliable enough to provide a constant source of electricity - similar to a modern fossil-fueled power plant? The simple answer - no. Harnessing wind energy can be a great addition to an alternative power generation plan (usually paired with solar), but you should always have an alternative (public utilities) as a back-up for those rare times when there is no wind or sun. Of course, before you consider installing a wind power generator, research is in order to determine if the location for the windmill will get enough wind to make the investment worthwhile.
Physics Is Your Friend.
A wind power generator operates by the theory of Conservation of Energy, or more specifically, kinetic energy. Kinetic energy of the wind or airflow impinges upon the rotor blades of the windmill, then is turned into mechanical energy as the generator is spun. This mechanical energy is converted into electrical power by the generator, to be used immediately, or stored in batteries or capacitors. In the early history of wind power, this rotational energy was used to grind grain and pump water.
Wind Power as a Supplement.
As was mentioned above, it may be totally impractical to live off-grid with alternative energy as the sole sources of power for your home, although there are those who do live completely off-grid. To live completely off-grid, you must be extremely efficient with energy use (and storage), and alway be aware of reserves and future needs. For most alternative energy users, wind power is used in conjunction with other sources of electrical power - solar and grid. During good times, many generate excess power and can sell this excess power back to their utility companies.
Location, Location, Location.
There are a few criteria for placing a windmill on your property. Ideally, your home will sit on a good-sized lot in a relatively roomy rural or near-rural development. The tower height that supports the generator can be critical, and research should be done to determine local building codes. Newer and better technology is coming on-line every day that permits installation of power-generating windmills in ever-smaller locations - always do your research and make sure you’re getting the system for your environment.
Technology Here Now.
Making electrical power from the wind is not a new science, rather it is an continually evolving technology based on actual needs. There’s plenty of information - books and other materials - available now on the topics of alternative power generation. Many new sources of do-it-yourself guides have sprung up lately, and some are of good quality.. With this in mind, always do your research carefully and completely before you commit to any particular system. Then, as you watch the blades of your own wind power generator spin, the satisfaction of knowing you did this yourself (with a little help) can be realized.
I’ve looked at some of the more popular plans on how to build your own windmill. What did I learn? Read this review and save yourself a lot of wasted time and money.
