Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Will A Wind Turbine Help Me Get Off Grid?
If you are like me, you want to have the freedom to be able to choose to disconnect yourself from the strangle hold of the big energy companies. Then I have some good news and bad news.
The good news is that a range of technologies are now available to domestic users which utilise alternative sources of energy therefore it is now possible for you to get off the grid.
The bad news is that one wind turbine or one solar panel isn't going to be enough to do it, and the set-up costs may be prohibitive.
However, if you can combine the benefits of wind power and solar power then maybe you have a chance. These two green sources of energy compliment each other very well. Sunlight is only available during the day but if its cloudy the chances are better that there will be sufficient wind, which can operate 24 hours a day.
The engineers have done the math, and typically one small wind turbine (on a windy day) will generate about the same electricity as 5 solar panels (on a sunny day) so in ideal conditions you would need fewer turbines than solar panels.
If you wanted to buy a turbine off the shelf, the cost would be prohibitive for most people, but the internet now provides all the instructions for how to build your own for a fraction of the cost. Some sources suggest you an do it for a mere $200-$300. The parts are becoming standard items that you can find most in your electrical hardware store or in other places like Ebay. The whole project requires only basic skills and shouldn't take more than a few days to a week max to assemble.
As long as you have the right conditions even just one wind turbine can generate enough power to supply your home with about 60% of it's electricity needs and though that's not enough to free you from your utility bills it is enough to make a pretty big dent in that bill.
If you are serious about getting off the grid, you will have to determine what works best in your area. Start small and expand. You may decide you will need multiple wind turbines or you will need to combine them with other sources of alternative energy such as solar power. This could be simple solar panels or a more elaborate solar hot water system, depending on your needs.
The fact is you CAN save a heap of money by generating your own electricity, and many companies are now prepared to pay you for any excess that you produce! It may not get you off the grid, but it surely is good news if you do something about it.
The good news is that a range of technologies are now available to domestic users which utilise alternative sources of energy therefore it is now possible for you to get off the grid.
The bad news is that one wind turbine or one solar panel isn't going to be enough to do it, and the set-up costs may be prohibitive.
However, if you can combine the benefits of wind power and solar power then maybe you have a chance. These two green sources of energy compliment each other very well. Sunlight is only available during the day but if its cloudy the chances are better that there will be sufficient wind, which can operate 24 hours a day.
The engineers have done the math, and typically one small wind turbine (on a windy day) will generate about the same electricity as 5 solar panels (on a sunny day) so in ideal conditions you would need fewer turbines than solar panels.
If you wanted to buy a turbine off the shelf, the cost would be prohibitive for most people, but the internet now provides all the instructions for how to build your own for a fraction of the cost. Some sources suggest you an do it for a mere $200-$300. The parts are becoming standard items that you can find most in your electrical hardware store or in other places like Ebay. The whole project requires only basic skills and shouldn't take more than a few days to a week max to assemble.
As long as you have the right conditions even just one wind turbine can generate enough power to supply your home with about 60% of it's electricity needs and though that's not enough to free you from your utility bills it is enough to make a pretty big dent in that bill.
If you are serious about getting off the grid, you will have to determine what works best in your area. Start small and expand. You may decide you will need multiple wind turbines or you will need to combine them with other sources of alternative energy such as solar power. This could be simple solar panels or a more elaborate solar hot water system, depending on your needs.
The fact is you CAN save a heap of money by generating your own electricity, and many companies are now prepared to pay you for any excess that you produce! It may not get you off the grid, but it surely is good news if you do something about it.
Monday, December 14, 2009
DIY Wind Power - What You Need To Know
Most of us are looking for ways to save money and if you have been around for a while you know that the DIY route is often the best. The key is getting the right information, before you start. If you have heard about wind power, then this article might be for you. I will briefly explain what wind power is and what a wind turbine can and cannot do.
It might seem obvious but a wind turbine is a simple devise that converts energy from wind into electricity which can then be used immediately or stored for later use.
This technology has developed in recent years and most suggest that this will continue to advance and make this process even more efficient in the years to come. However, even now the process is efficient enough to allow this form of energy to be used for households, and the excess fed back into the power grid.
This new technology is beginning to catch on and a few people who have installed their own wind turbines have seen significant savings on their utility bills. These savings will continue to grow!
Commercial sales and installation are now available, but the prices tend to be prohibitive. However, if you have a few basic DIY skills, you can build and install a small turbine at your home very cost effectively, with most of that cost being recovered in the first year.
There are now a range of manuals available on the internet that you can buy that will walk you through the process of building your own turbine and you don't need any special skills or knowledge.
The parts you need to build your own turbine can be purchased at any hardware store for less than $300. The whole assembly process will take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on how much time you can devote to the project everyday.
All in all DIY wind power is a great way for you to save money on your utility bills as well as have the feeling of pride and independence that comes from doing something yourself and saving the environment as a bonus.
It might seem obvious but a wind turbine is a simple devise that converts energy from wind into electricity which can then be used immediately or stored for later use.
This technology has developed in recent years and most suggest that this will continue to advance and make this process even more efficient in the years to come. However, even now the process is efficient enough to allow this form of energy to be used for households, and the excess fed back into the power grid.
This new technology is beginning to catch on and a few people who have installed their own wind turbines have seen significant savings on their utility bills. These savings will continue to grow!
Commercial sales and installation are now available, but the prices tend to be prohibitive. However, if you have a few basic DIY skills, you can build and install a small turbine at your home very cost effectively, with most of that cost being recovered in the first year.
There are now a range of manuals available on the internet that you can buy that will walk you through the process of building your own turbine and you don't need any special skills or knowledge.
The parts you need to build your own turbine can be purchased at any hardware store for less than $300. The whole assembly process will take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on how much time you can devote to the project everyday.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Can I Build My Own Domestic Wind Turbine?
Emissions trading is the topic of the moment. You've probably noticed that whenever this subject comes up there is a wide variety of responses, you ask 10 different people a question you'll get 10 different answers. However, most will agree that whatever options the politicians come up with it will cost all of us more for electricity. Against that background, the pros and cons of getting your own domestic wind turbine is also a hot topic.
There are many who would try to convince you that getting a turbine for home use is a waste of money. They say that in order to generate enough electricity for your house you would need a huge turbine or more than one, AND a good supply of wind.
With most turbines costing thousands of dollars to buy and have installed, it seems like they may have a point.
However, there is another option, building your own turbine. By building it yourself you can significantly level the playing field. But what would it take? You can purchase the plans off the internet for less than $100 which will give step by step instructions. The parts are readily available for $200 to $300, and with a few basic skills you can put it together in a couple of weekends.
One turbine will not allow you to get off the grid, but it can be enough to generate almost 60% of the electricity you'll need for your home. If you choose to build your own and pay less than five hundred dollars it seems like a good investment to me.
If, on the other hand, you want to pay for a pre-built turbine and have someone install it for you at a cost of a few thousand dollars you have to realize that you will still recoup your investment, it'll just take longer.
Whatever you choose to do, build your own turbine or buy one, having your own domestic wind turbine is a good way to save yourself a considerable amount on your utility bills, especially in the light of proposed emission trading schemes..
There are many who would try to convince you that getting a turbine for home use is a waste of money. They say that in order to generate enough electricity for your house you would need a huge turbine or more than one, AND a good supply of wind.
With most turbines costing thousands of dollars to buy and have installed, it seems like they may have a point.
One turbine will not allow you to get off the grid, but it can be enough to generate almost 60% of the electricity you'll need for your home. If you choose to build your own and pay less than five hundred dollars it seems like a good investment to me.
If, on the other hand, you want to pay for a pre-built turbine and have someone install it for you at a cost of a few thousand dollars you have to realize that you will still recoup your investment, it'll just take longer.
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