Posts Tagged ‘Solar Power’

Who Else Wants To Know About Alternative Energy

Monday, May 25th, 2009
green energy
Madison Greene asked:


It is estimated that our natural resources will be completely depleted within the next 150 years. It is because of this that we as a society need to be actively searching for sources of alternative energy.

Alternative energy, whether it is used to replace fuels such as coal, or to reduce our reliance on petroleum based fuels; alternative energy is one of the most important issues facing society today.

The two most common types of alternative energy are:

* Wind power

* Solar power

Both of these alternative energy sources are harnessed from natural resources, and as such are completely free. Only the equipment and technology cost money, and over time as we advance the costs should be reduced.

It is these free sources of alternative energy that we should be pursuing with the most fervency, so that, eventually, energy can be available to all regardless of income. Below we will take a look at these two most common sources of alternative energy.

Wind Power

Wind power, while a free source of alternative energy, would be the most costly type of renewable energy to power our nation. This is largely in part to the fact that we must first place wind turbines across the country, in enough numbers to provide electricity to communities nationwide, even in areas where the wind velocity is not as strong. The cost of building enough of these turbines to harness the wind’s alternative energy would be staggering.

Also these wind turbines are very unsightly and would ruin very beautiful and scenic parts of the country. It should also be noted that they only produce power 1/8 of the time that they are running. That is not very efficient, but we are on the right track, things just need improvement.

Another problem I see with wind turbines is the amount of profit many companies stand to make for putting them in. Individuals are making millions off of this and that is just not right when our well-being is at stake.

However, if you’re interested in using wind power as your own source of alternative energy, it is a viable option. Many farms and rural communities use these wind turbines to power themselves. In smaller numbers, the cost of building the turbines pays for itself relatively quickly. But wind energy is only one form of alternative energy. Next, we will look at using solar power as an alternative power source.

Solar Power

Solar power is alternative energy derived from the power of the sun. Solar energy is also completely free, except for the cost of installing the equipment necessary to convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. This equipment is becoming less and less expensive every day. Solar power generally ends up paying for itself within the first few years.

The equipment needed to use solar power as an alternative energy source for your home can be bought at virtually any home improvement store, and can usually be installed in just a few hours. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are a great number of contractors available who can install your solar panels and generators for you.

Regardless of which type of alternative energy you choose to use in your own home, the fact remains that we must find a renewable source of energy soon, or be at risk of losing the few natural resources we have left to burn. Contact your Congressman today, and ask what is being done to find a good source of alternative energy; and what you can do to help.



4 Benefits You Will Get from Your Very Own Solar Powered Attic Fan

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
solar power
Michael Read asked:


As solar power is continues to gain popularity, manufacturers are now offering solar powered attic fans to consumers to help ventilate attics and keep attics cooler. The solar powered fans that are used for attics generally have a smaller solar panel to help power a DC motor when the sun is shining. By using solar powered attic fans, you will enjoy a plethora of benefits, including the four I will discuss in this article.

1. Save money

There is no arguing the fact that electric rates are always on the rise, which makes solar powered fans so popular. By storing more solar energy because the roof is always in direct contact with the sun, you will make use of much more energy without paying a penny. Also, by continuously keeping your attic cool because of the low cost of solar powered fans, you no longer have to worry about dealing with mildew and mold.

2. Maximize exposure of sun to the solar panel

Because of the way that many solar powered attic fans are designed, there is a mounting bracket that houses the solar panel. This helps optimize the angle of the panel to put it to use much more than an electric fan. The mounting bracket will also allow for remote mounting of the solar panel, which allows for optimal panel placement.

3. Minimize the ambient temperature of the solar panel

With a powder coating that rests over the entire assembly in neutral gray color, this helps minimize the power output losses as temperatures increase. In doing so, it will help cool the attic and ensure that the solar powered fan does not act like a heat sink. Also, the mounting bracket allows for an envelope of cooler air to continuously circulate around the entire solar panel. By doing this, it provides the maximum electricity output from the panel to help run the fan motor.

4. Adaptable for all environments

Although solar power is just becoming popular, technology has grown to allow solar powered attic fans to be adaptable for all locations, roof types and environments. Obviously, if you live in an environment that sees more sun you will be able to create more solar energy. However, the powder coat over solar powered fans allows these fans to withstand any environment.

Solar powered attic fans are perfect for every attic to help eliminate the heat while decreasing the electric bill at the same time. Because of the high efficiency, environment friendly capability, and lower electric bills, solar powered fans are suitable for everyone in any environment around the world.



Is A Residential Solar Energy System And Wind Power Generators In Tandem A Good Idea?

Saturday, April 4th, 2009
wind power
Koz Huseyin asked:


Residential solar energy systems and wind power generators are becoming more popular. More and more people are finding the benefits of generating there own electricity to power there home. There are some situations where you may need both a residential solar energy system and wind power generators. Here we will take a look.

With Solar energy, it can work out good to have in your home, but only if you get a moderate amount of sunlight. This is a similar problem to wind power. Wind power generators are only effective, with a moderate amount of wind.

If you have a lot of sunlight, then a residential solar energy system will be of great benefit, and you will not need to look for alternative sources of energy. Likewise a lot of wind could mean that sticking with a wind power generator may be your best option.

If you find you live in the west of the US, you may have great sunshine, and a residential solar energy system maybe all you need, but what about if you are stuck in a part of the world where blistering sunshine is not a common thing?

In the UK for example, there are summer months with days that are very sunny. Residential solar energy systems are similar to a thermometer. As sunlight is more, and hotter, it means you get more power, less sunlight means less power.

In either case, a deficit will mean you just don’t have power. An option that many homes that switch to wind or solar power decide on is to have a connection to the electric company. This makes a great option, as you can get to have constant electric, and any excess, you maybe able to sell back to the electric company.

If you are in an area that isn’t very sunny or very overcast with clouds, then you may need a wind power generator that can supplement when there is no sun, but a lot of wind. This poses a few extra problems or benefits, however you see it.

Investing in a residential solar energy system is going to be a costly affair. Though the energy you get will be for many years, even decades, it still could mean that you still have to pay for electric, especially if you don’t have the sunshine.

The problem with investing in residential solar energy systems and a wind generator is that you likely have to invest twice the amount of money. This can mean a longer time to make a return on investment.

It is always advisable to seek advice from the company you plan to buy the energy system from, as they can give you an indication of whether you need a residential solar energy system, wind power generator or both.

The benefit with both is that with the excess energy you can, in most cases, sell it back to the electric company. It can be a great feeling, having the electric company send you a paycheck a few times in the year.



Off the Grid - Using Wind Power to Power Your Home

Friday, January 30th, 2009
wind power
Bryan Hufford asked:


Off the grid living is becoming a growing trend. Many people out there are starting to look for more ways to be resourceful, especially when it comes to alternative energy. With the rising costs of monthly power and heating/cooling costs, more are turning to wind and solar power as an energy source for their homes. Not only does it help save money on the power bill each month, but it also helps conserve energy as well. Basically, it’s a win-win situation.

Now, did you know you can actually use wind power to generate electricity for your home? While you can go with a windmill manufacturer and have them build and install you a windmill, that can save money, but will be awfully expensive. I would suggest building your own windmill.

I know what you’re thinking - “How on earth will I be able to build my own windmill?” I’m telling you, it’s a lot easier than what you may think. In fact, you can get most of the supplies required to build a windmill at your local hardware store. And you can do it for less than a couple hundred dollars. This is inexpensive, because the windmill will last you years upon years, saving you money each and every month.

In order to build a good working windmill, you will need a good set of step-by-step instructions for you to follow. This will ensure that your windmill is built properly, making you able to receive the maximum benefits of it. Having a great guide to follow is an absolute must.

If you want to get your hands on the ultimate, step-by-step blueprint for building a windmill, you need to visit How to Build a Windmill. There, you will learn everything you need to know about windmill building, as well as how you can build one and what supplies you will need to get the job done!



Build a Wind Turbine–generate Clean Green Power

Sunday, January 25th, 2009
wind power
John Mowatt asked:


ines are the best alternative energy source available at the present time. They do not pollute the atmosphere and can generate a significant part of our power needs. They even generate all of the power needed in some parts of the world. The individual property owner can quite easily produce enough power from the wind to satisfy 100% of requirements.

There are other interesting alternative energy sources. Solar power is one method of power production which shows great promise and is being used increasingly. Solar cells are however expensive and power output is limited. For this reason solar power is presently an auxiliary power supply in most cases.

Nuclear power stations are widely used around the globe. The United Kingdom and France generate a large part of their electricity supply this way. The main obstacle to increased use of nuclear power is public distrust of this method of power generation. The accidents at Chernobyl and Three mile Island in particular have caused much fear and dislike for nuclear power generation. Wind power is acceptable to most communities with the only undesirable feature being the visual pollution caused by large areas covered with big turbines.

The addition of one or two turbines can make a home or farm independent of the local power utility. Many suppliers now sell these turbines in all areas. They are fairly costly unfortunately but over time will pay for their cost and show a saving to the owner.

An alternative to buying a wind turbine is to build one yourself. This is quite a simple project using plans with instructions which are available. The cost is only a fraction of the price of a commercial wind turbine . This technology was widely in use in rural areas in the 1930 to 1950s era. Since then it has largely died out since modern consumers are less cost conscious and will pay the power company rather than generate theit own power.

At this time it is becoming increasingly obvious to most that we must find less polluting ways to generate our power needs. Generating stations fired by oil,gas and coal are heavy polluters. We need to move away from these methods and instead generate clean,green power. Wind power is the most obvious alternative at the present time. The individual consumer can do his part by installing a wind turbine or more than one on his propery.

A home built wind turbine made from auto parts and a few odds and ends is quite inexpensive and one or more of them can generate all or most of the power needed. They can be roof mounted on a building or free standing on their own tower. It is a misconception that continuous strong winds are needed to generate electricity. Even a light breeze will spin the turbine. Power can be stored in storage batteries till needed for use. Any excess power generated can be sold to the local power company in many areas.

Wind turbine power generation is the best solution available to consumers today. All of us who are concerned about the future of our planet need to get aboard now by building or buying a wind turbine to provide some of our power needs. The most inexpensive way to do this is to build your own turbine.



How to Build Wind Generator – Advantages of Using Wind Power

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
wind power
Ricky Lim asked:


The increase in cost for energy in our modern world today has forced us to choose other viable energy solutions. Several of those alternative solutions are solar power, wind power and hydro power.

Solar power is the most popular solution, however the reliability of sunlight can be quite problematic especially if sunlight is not particularly strong. Wind power is another popular approach as the cost of using wind is free and more than that unlimited in supply.

Let’s capitalize on wind energy by learning how to build wind generator that can supply your house for less than $500.

1. First Preparation

The first thing you may want to do is to consider whether you want to build the entire wind generator from scratch, or assembly different parts bought from suppliers. However, I must warn you that the price of buying different parts of wind generator can cost you up to $2000 or even more.

Another consideration you may want to consider is the supply of wind in your local area. Maybe your area is not too windy but has a lot of water supply; in that case building wind generator will be useless.

2. The Best Combination

The best combination is to combine wind power and solar power for maximum advantages. So you can supply the energy for your house fully for one whole year.

3. What You Need To Start

What you need to start is a do it yourself guide available for download on many websites. Some enough space to work preferably garage, and some equipment. Some of the equipments you will need are DC motor and PVC pipe. The larger your electric needs, the bigger blade diameters you will need.

Building your own wind generator can be fun and easy to do, just do it and you will get a whole new supply of extra electric energy for years.