What Is Green Energy?

Green energy is a fairly new term, which twenty years ago would have had very different connotations. It is not really about the colour of the power, but the fact that it is power generated by environmentally sensitive, renewable sources. It is not just a better way to generate electricity, it can also save you money, hundreds, or even thousands, on your utility bills. It's much easier than you may have thought.

The two most popular forms of renewable, non-polluting (green) energy are solar power and wind power.

Most people are probably familiar with solar power, we've seen solar panels on roofs for decades, mostly just for heating water. However, modern developments of solar panels offer better ways to capture the energy of the sun and convert it into electricity. That electricity is then available to be used straight away, stored in batteries or fed back into the commercial grid.

Solar panels are completely green because they don't pollute the environment at all. The sunlight is a renewable source of energy so we don't have to worry about running out. The drawback is that you can only generate electricity during the day, and will have minimum production when it is overcast.

Wind power is captured by wind turbines, which look very much like windmills. These turbines are able to convert that energy into electricity which, like that from solar panels can be used as collected, stored for later use or fed back into the grid.

Turbines have come a long way in the last few years, the technology has advanced to the point where the turbines are now small enough for household use, you can install a turbine in your backyard or on your roof. The drawback is that some places just do not get enough strong wind to make it viable, unless it is used alongside solar generators.

The obvious problem with wind turbines it that the initial outlay puts it outside the budget of most people. However, building your own turbine is now an option. There are manuals available today that will show you how to easily and quickly build your own wind turbine using regular household tools, a few basic skills and purchasing the materials at your local electrical hardware store.

It really doesn't matter if you choose solar power, wind power, or a combination of both, the important thing is that you take full advantage of today's technological advances to use green energy to save the planet as well as your money.

Electricity From Wind - What Do I Need?

As the political debate heats up it seems that there are very few options if we want to stay environmentally sensitive, and save money. Solar and wind energy are the obvious choices. So, if you want to get electricity from wind and save some money, this article is for you.

Using wind power is hardly a new concept. Man has utilized the power of the wind for thousands of years, designing wind mills that do everything from grinding wheat to pumping water.

The difference is that now we have technology that can convert wind energy to electrical energy more efficiently than ever before. We now have the ability to choose whether to store the electricity we create for later use, or feed it back into the commercial grid.

The key to using wind power to generate electricity is the wind turbine. The commercial variety are giant three finned windmills that stretch for kilometers following natural ridge lines to catch the most wind. This technology has now been downsized for domestic use.

The internet offers a wide range of turbines, some free standing while other models fit on your roof. The fact is when you cut down on the size you also cut down on the electricity producing capacity. Another factor that must be appreciated is that some areas do not get enough consistent wind to make it viable.

Most experts suggest that if you get consistent wind you can generate enough electricity from an average sized turbine to at least cut your electricity bill in half. What is more those savings will continue for years to come which means it can really add up to a significant amount of money.

The obvious drawback is the setup costs. An off the shelf turbine IS expensive, especially if you have to get it professionally installed as well. But, you don't have to be a professional to build your own wind turbine. Some simple tools, a good design purchased off the net, and you can get most of the parts at any electrical hardware store for around $300. Then all you need is some time to put it together, with most suggesting that you can do it in a couple of weekends.

Thus, for a relatively small investment of time and money you could build your own wind turbine and save yourself a lot of money while getting electricity from wind and lowering your carbon footprint. How cool is that?

Time To Cut Energy Bills In A Few Easy Steps

No matter what season it is, I still live with the fear that my energy costs will continue to rise. The cause may be local or international, the end result is the same, it costs me more to cool my house in summer and warm it in winter! But what can we do?

The good news is that there are some simple things that anyone can do to keep those high energy bills in check. To start, these will only take a few minutes and a couple of dollars to do. Don't put it off any longer.

There are also some other projects that are more involved and will cost more money but the results will also be much more beneficial.

Take a look at the following projects, starting with the small ones. Don't overlook these, just because you think you did them a few years ago does not mean that that may not need doing again.

Small Projects

1. Add a programmable thermostat to your heating system so you don't pay money to keep the house warm when you're not even there.

2. Check for drafts and then caulk around leaky windows and doors, adding heavier curtains might give better insulation to the windows because the glass is often the place of the greatest loss.

3. Make sure that your system is professionally checked and the filters are clean.

Big Projects

1. Add insulation to your ceiling or upgrade what you have got. Adding a whirligig ventilator might also help to keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

2. Replace your electric hot water service with a solar system, so that instead of using electricity you are using the suns rays.

3. Build and install your own wind turbine on your roof or in your yard, which, if you get enough wind can provide up to about half of your power needs.

There are lots of possible projects, big and small, that can save you money. Now is the best time to get started - don't put it off any longer, and as a bonus you will be helping the environment as well!

Electricity From Wind - This Can Be An Easy DIY Project

Using power from the wind to do things is a fairly ancient concept, because we have been doing it for centuries. However, it is only in recent times that we have developed the technology to convert that power into electricity. We are continuing to make that process more efficient and accessible to ordinary people like us.

The key to this process is called a wind turbine. You've probably seen these monsters in groups in country areas, which are then linked into the commercial electrical power grid. What has changed is that this technology has now been downsized, making it possible (and viable) for homes to have their own turbine and generate power for their own use.

As a result wind turbines can now be acquired in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of these can be mounted in your backyard while others are designed to be installed on your roof. The key is to determine the direction of prevailing winds and the best way to catch it.

The energy savings vary greatly depending on how much wind there is, yet some homeowners claim that their utility bills are reduced by 80%. Even if you only get a reduction of 50% it will still be worth it, and it will continue for as long as your turbine is running.

So, what is the catch? Yes, there are some downsides that you do need to be aware of. For one thing, one small wind turbine won't generate enough electricity to completely supply the needs of your household. This is worse in some geographical areas where the winds are seasonal - so some months they get a lot others a little.

However, if you combine your turbine with other forms of renewable energy like solar energy, you may be able cover some of these gaps.

Of course the next catch is set up costs. If you want to buy a turbine "off the shelf" and have it installed it will cost you...big and it will take a long time to get back your investment. Some authorities quote the cost of a turbine as anywhere from $600 all the way up to $12,000, depending on size and output.

The good news is that it is now possible to build your own. With a few basic skills and tools, and without an engineering degree you can do it for $200 -$300. The parts are readily available at electrical hardware stores and on ebay.

The key is to purchase a manual that will show you in step by step detail how to do it. The time required will depend on the size and complexity of the project yet most say that it will only take a couple of weekends to build.

So get in touch with your ancestors and build your own windmill, and reap the powerful results.

Wind Energy - Turbines for Home Use

When driving out west recently I could not help noticing a couple of new wind farms, with dozens of gigantic wind turbines, making energy while the sheep continued to graze underneath. In Australia, when people suggest wind turbines this is the picture they imagine, but the reality is that small turbines are now available that can be set up in your own backyard which can enable you to generate your own electricity.

In my local context it is rare to see these small turbines which can be attached to your rooftop but the few that are appearing almost look like some sort of sculpture. They're small, compact, and even attractive which is why they are beginning to catch on, even some businesses have converted to wind power to subsidise their electricity needs.

You can use the same principles for your home and you might be surprised to learn that a small, home sized, turbine can be purchased for between $600-$12,000, or you can build your own for a few hundred dollars. Most suppliers suggest that it will only take a day or two to build and you can even make it into a family project.

The good news is that one small turbine can cut your electric bill by up to 80%. That is significant especially when you remember that the savings will go on as long as you keep your turbine running. However, you must remember that one turbine won't supply your home with all the power it needs. You will probably still need to buy some electricity.

Even better still, if you install several turbines and put more energy into the grid when it is windy, on the calm days you will still be in front financially. Alternatively you could combine your wind power with solar power by installing solar panels too, which will continue to supply energy on still days. Between these two sources of renewable energy you'll be able to be even more self sufficient!

No matter what you choose to do: buy a turbine, build your own turbine, have multiple turbines, or combine wind energy with solar energy, you still have a viable option when it comes to going green and saving money. Don't put it off any longer, pick the option that is right for you and start today.