Solar Power Systems – Renewable Energy – Nature Powered

It is true.  You may have heard it and not believed it, but you can build a wind generator on your own.  Even better is the large amounts of money you can save when you build a wind generator instead of purchasing one from a wholesaler or retailer.  It is easy to build a wind generator with the plans and instructions available.  By utilizing used auto parts, odds and ends and general supplies from your local hardware store, you can build a wind generator in no time.

You may be wondering why you should build a wind generator when you can just purchase one, but commercial wind generators cost in the thousands to buy.  The materials needed to build a wind generator, the DC motor, batteries, towers and hub, are fairly inexpensive.  It is possible to build a wind generator for under $500 and that means realizing the return on your investment years before you would have buying a professionally installed commercial model.  Even if you invest in better quality materials when you build a wind generator, you will still find your total cost way below that of the professional installation.

Electric power generated by wind is one of the most efficient renewable power resources available.  Many cities worldwide have started to convert to wind power to supplement their energy supply.  It is possible to have a green energy supply by taking the time to build a wind generator.  Not only are you helping the environment, but also you can save money at the same time.

It is not difficult to build a wind generator.  The average do-it-yourselfer can complete this project with simple tools.  There are detailed instructions and plans available to build a wind generator in your workshop or home.  So build your wind generator today and put it on your roof or support pole and start generating your free power, thanks to a little breeze.

Tags: Auto Parts, build a wind generator, Commercial Generators, Commercial Model, Commercial Wind, Dc Motor, Energy Supply, green energy, Hardware Store, Helping The Environment, Hub, Odds And Ends, Power Resources, Professional Installation, Quality Materials, Renewable Power, Simple Tools, Taking The Time, Wholesaler, Wind Generator, Wind Generators

How would you react if your neighbor told you she was going to build wind turbines? Pretty impressed? The truth is that it is not difficult to build wind turbines and many homeowners are taking the challenge to build their own wind turbines as a cost-effective means to utilizing renewable energies.  It isn’t exactly snap-your-fingers easy to build wind turbines either, but with the proper plans and a motivated builder you can be building wind turbines in no time.

It is definitely your best bet, before setting out to build wind turbines, to purchase an instruction manual or guide to follow.  Remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to instructions.  Make sure you find a manual that is easy to read with detailed instructions.  There are also many online resources and forums to help guide you through your wind turbine building process.

To familiarize yourself with the basics, before you get started on your project to build wind turbines, there are four basic components to wind turbines.  To build wind turbines you must be familiar with the towers, the batteries, the turbines and the tail and propeller assembly.  The tools generally required to build wind turbines are simple as well, you will need wrenches, a saw and a drill.  There may also be a need for additional tools depending on how of the wind turbine you will be building yourself.

One part that you will probably be ordering when you decide to build wind turbines is the motor.  The motors on wind turbines do require regular maintenance and oiling for continued efficiency, but this is a small price to pay for the excellent energy these systems provide.  In addition to the motor, you are definitely going to need a good-sized workspace.  Depending on your target energy output, your propellers or blades could get up to 8 feet in diameter (4 ft blades).

It takes a little work to build wind turbines, but there is really nothing overly complicated about the process and generally the process can be fairly inexpensive once you are operational and your electric bills are dropping each month.  Building wind turbines is also a fast growing occupation worldwide as technicians are tough to find.  So learn how to build wind turbines for yourself and take advantage of the opportunities free electricity and know how can provide.

Tags: Additional Tools, Batteries, Best Bet, build wind turbines, Diameter, Efficiency, Energy Output, Fingers, Neighbor, off the grid, Online Resources, Propeller Assembly, Propellers, Renewable Energies, Target, Truth, wind power, Wind Turbine, Wind Turbines, Workspace

Tags: Electricity Options, Energy Options, Facing Window, Facing Windows, Home Appliances, Household Water, Indirect Gain, off the grid, Overhangs, Passive Cooling, Passive Solar Design, Passive Solar Home, Photovoltaic Cells, Radiant Heat, solar electricity, Solar Energy Technologies, solar home, solar panels, Solar Water Heating, Thermal Mass, Trombe Wall, Window Installations

Solar energy panels have become more affordable in recent years making it a viable alternative energy option for savvy home owners looking for savings on their monthly utility bills and the environmentally conscious who also enjoy the financial advantage, but focus more on the benefits solar energy panels have on global warming and independence from fossil fuels.

If you are a beginner to the solar electric world, then you may be wondering what exactly solar energy panels are? It is really simple and yet fascinatingly complicated.  Solar energy panels are also known as photovoltaic panels; photovoltaic meaning electricity from the sun.  Solar energy panels work by collecting protons from the sun, which displace neutrons, and create a flow of electrons or electricity.  An inverter converts the power generated by the solar energy panels from an AC current to a DC current making it usable in homes as a direct electricity supply.

You can use solar energy panels to heat your pool, workshop tools, greenhouse lights and fans or depending on you personal electric usage, your entire home or business.  Most solar energy panels are designed to last 30-40 years and require little to no maintenance.  Over the life-span of solar energy panels, the energy savings realized by the owner is enough to justify the initial cost of the system and prices are dropping more and more as a larger number of consumers express interest and make the change to solar energy panels or other renewable resources.

Solar energy panels for small applications can be purchased at your local hardware stores.  These small versions are ideal for outdoor lighting, small water pumps and other outdoor tools.  If you are purchasing a home size or business size system of solar energy panels it would be best to seek out a local retailer of solar energy panels or a green energy retailer in your area.  There is also plenty of information available online about different solar energy panel providers.

Understanding the value of solar energy panels is the first step to becoming fossil fuel independent.  As our traditional energy resources are falling into exhaustion, now is the best time to look in to solar energy panels for your home or business.

Tags: Business Size, Electricity Supply, Energy Option, Energy Panel, Energy Retailer, Energy Savings, Financial Advantage, Fossil Fuels, green energy, Hardware Stores, Life Span, Neutrons, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Tools, Photovoltaic Panels, Protons, renewable resources, Small Water Pumps, solar energy, solar energy panels, Workshop Tools

Getting home solar electricity is more affordable today than 10 years ago. In fact, many state governments are currently offering tax rebates to persons that choose to convert to home solar electricity. If installing a photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities, there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an accredited green energy supplier. Green energy suppliers offer only utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar electricity, hydroelectricity and wind generated electricity. However, if you made the decision to switch to solar electricity for your home it is important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

The first thing to determine is how much power you will need from your home solar electricity system. Different arrays and solar panel set-ups offer different wattage outputs. Take the time to determine your average daily electricity usage. You want to achieve a number that includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air conditioners).

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product. A product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year warranty. Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using home solar electricity, to learn more about the differences in systems. Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers and researching manufacturers as well.

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity. There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity. The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter. You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company. The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter. The final system is a stand-alone system. Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.

Once you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are probably ready to start shopping. Remember that converting to home solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the rewards over time. And don’t forget the pride you will have with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home solar electricity.

Tags: Add new tag, home solar electricity

When asked about alternative energy or renewable energy, most people think of solar electricity. Generating electricity from the sun is a technology that everyone knows well. Whether it is your pocket calculator, home, or workshop, regardless of your power needs, solar electricity can get the job done.

Solar electricity has a number of unique advantages over conventional or grid-based electricity. Solar electric systems can be designed for a variety of applications and are extremely beneficial in remote areas where other electric opportunities do not exist. In addition, photovoltaic systems that generate solar electricity have no moving parts therefore requiring minimal maintenance, are easily expandable, and with many smaller units, transportable.

Environmental compatibility is a huge selling point for converting to solar electricity. The fuel for generating solar electricity is a free renewable resource, the sun. Solar electricity offers no noise pollution and actually almost no pollution from their operation. Another appealing factor for many who choose solar electricity over conventional electricity is simply the independence. It is an attractive offer to many rural dwellers to know that when the lights go out due to storms or blackouts, theirs are still working. No longer a slave to waiting on hold to report an outage to find it will be 10 hours before their service will be restored.

The hardest part of converting to solar electricity is the cost of the system. Investing in a solar energy system can be a substantial upfront cost. The value of solar electricity is realized over several years. A professionally installed solar array for an average dwelling (avg. $100/month in electric bills) could pay for itself in 5 years. You could reduce that number by building your own solar panel system or by purchasing a used system. With many solar energy systems in less rural areas and only in some states, you can sell your unused solar electricity back to the electric company. In these situations the return on your investment is realized much more quickly.

Using the power of sun with solar electricity is a benefit to the environment and to your home. Solar electricity is already being used to supplement power for a number of large cities in North America. Take time to learn more about solar electricity and how you can have trade in your electric bill for a carefree life with solar electricity.

Tags: solar electricity

Renewable wind energy is the fastest growing source of power of any renewable energy sources and technologies. With renewable wind energy, the flow of air turns wind turbines to create electricity. As the speed of the wind turning the turbines increases the amount of power the turbine produces increases as well. In areas where winds are strong, renewable wind energy is a smart choice for providing power to homes and businesses.

Even if you don’t live in a windy area, you can still supplement your current electricity supply by utilizing renewable wind energy. The best part is by using do-it-yourself guides; even the least skilled handymen can build their own windmills and start using renewable wind energy to lower their electric bills each month. However, if you do live in a particularly windy area you can feasibly generate an abundance of electricity from renewable wind energy systems.

It is also conceivable to build several wind turbines to power your renewable wind energy system. Most of us have seen the pictures of the wind farms being built to supplement power to whole cities. This is a little much for a homestead, but even small dwellings can benefit from multiple smaller wind turbines. In many states, it is possible to sell the excess electricity you generate from your renewable wind energy system back to the utilities companies.

The very best part of integrating a renewable wind energy system into your home or business is the environmental impact. Renewable wind energy produces little to no pollution, no harmful greenhouse gases and no methane or carbon dioxide-which contribute to global warming. And of course the savings those homeowners can realize after their initial investment in renewable wind energy.

It is definitely worthwhile to learn more about renewable wind energy. By building your own wind turbines you can add needed dollars to your pocket and help the environment at the same time. Renewable wind energy. Free power from the wind. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it?

Tags: green energy, homemade wind power, off the grid, renewable wind energy, wind power

More and more people are realizing that you can still enjoy modern amenities while enjoying the independence of off grid living.  Being off the grid means being exactly that, off the grid.  No power lines, no electric bills, and being free of utility grid demands, not to mention their ever-rising rates.  Off grid living is environmentally friendly and cost effective and it is an option available to almost any one owning a home.

The principles of off grid living may be applied to any home in the world, even those currently tied to the grid.  From solar panels, hydropower and windmills, there is growing curiosity in off grid living and breaking free from fossil fuel burning power plants.  The technologies have advanced and the costs have dropped greatly.

Even do-it-yourselfers can take leaps into off grid living with many kits, resources and manuals available for instruction.  As energy demands increase globally, those living off grid can rest easy knowing their own energy costs are diminishing.

The idea of off grid living can be scary to some who believe they will have to give up some of their most prized possessions and electronic gadgets to achieve such freedom.  This is very far from the truth.  Off grid living is simply about learning to moderate your use of electricity.  It can be as simple as turning off lights that are not really in use.  Purchasing appliances that don’t use energy when not in use (like clocks on microwaves and stoves).  Learning to unplug, not just turn off.  Things like computers and printers, well anything with the little green light that is always on, these items are stealing precious energy and adding to your bill.  Wanting to become part of the off grid living adventure, doesn’t always mean giving up everything, sometimes it just means getting smarter about the things you have.

Off grid living has gotten so popular that even completely re-locatable high efficiency homes are being produced to meet those needs.  Very similar to mobile homes and travel travelers in layout and definitely only designed for a one or two person dwelling, these housing units use solar power, passive solar design and a small amount of natural gas to provide off grid living that you can take with you when you move.

If you are interested in off grid living, but need more success stories to drive you over the teetering point then start your research on the Internet.  There are tons of great resources available and individuals who took the plunge into off grid living with great success telling their stories.  Imagine, no more gathering around that one little candle when the power goes out, or having the neighbors over to watch their favorite shows when there is a blackout.  Off grid living is obtainable for anyone and you too can enjoy the life of off grid living no matter where you make your home.

Tags: off grid living, renewable energy technology, Solar, wind

Solar electricity systems are a reliable pollution free energy source. If you are installing one then you are joining millions of others around the world in doing something for yourself and the planet. These systems are becoming more and more affordable as photovoltaic designs are improving. An added bonus in several states is the ability to feed power back to the grid at times when you produce more power than you use – you get to make your meter run backwards and that can be exciting.

The building block of solar systems is the photovoltaic cell. It wasn’t that long ago that these were curiosities that showed up at the science fair running a small motor. Now banks of them on your roof or other exposed area can power your home. Electricity produced by the cells typically charges batteries which then pass through an inverter to make the AC required by the lighting and appliances in your home. The batteries provide backup to supply power when there is no sunlight. How exciting is this – making your own power?

A solar power system can come with an initial high price tag. It may take years before you recover the cost. However if your state allows feeding back to the grid and with tax incentives and rebates your system will pay off much more quickly. A solar electricity system will never run out of fuel nor will it increase our dependency on foreign oil. But don’t think about the costs or that you will be saving money down line, think of it rather as investing in your freedom by starting your research of solar electricity systems today.

Tags: green energy home, off the grid, solar electricity system, solar power

Living off the grid is available to everyone. New technologies make power generation of such level that no modern convenience need be given up. No need to live like granola loving hippies (unless you want too). There may be a larger investment for high energy appliances like AC, chest freezers and the like, but these things are easily powered off the grid.

The demand for renewable energy has caused more efficient and easy to use components that will allow you to live off the grid if you are willing to pay attention to your energy consumption. It is a simple matter to use renewable sources to make electricity. You need power – sun, wind, or water whereby you make a low voltage DC that you convert by an inverter to usable AC or house current. The excess power you make is stored in battery banks where it can be retrieved during high demand times or where the direct energy source is not available (after dark for a solar system).

This entire process is largely automated. Except for maintaining the batteries there is almost nothing to do as long as you make sure you continue to operate within the capacity of the generation. The secret of success is making sure you have planned your system to match or exceed your energy use.

It’s fun to use all that power and not get an electric bill. Energy freedom is great and you combat global warming. Recently a storm took out power lines in nearby neighborhoods. People were without power for four and five days. People who live off the grid did not share this unfortunate condition.

It is important to conduct your research and determine which alternative energy sources will work best for you in your geographical area, but it is definitely worthwhile to learn how to live off the grid and feel the rush of freedom being off the grid can give.

Tags: green power, hydro-power, off the grid, solar power, wind power