Solar Power Your Home For Dummies

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$9.98

by Evans D. Smith

If you have tried researching solar electrical systems and you have found that the physics behind the system is far too difficult for you, do not fret as you can still benefit from residential solar power without understanding the calculations and details of solar electricity physics.

Many folks are interested with investing on a residential solar power system as it allows you to produce electricity without air pollution and noise while using a renewable source of energy. Simply put, a solar electricity system never runs out of fuel, which assists in reducing gas emitted by coal or other harmful elements. For the advantages that you can receive, residential solar energy systems are becoming the greatest energy resource for the 21st century.

Why should I Buy a Solar Electricity System?

The technology behind solar energy works by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Meaning, solar energy will work each time the sun is shining, while intense daylight produces more electricity. Since a solar panel does not use heat in manufacturing electricity, the semi-conductor materials of a solar panel generate electricity from the electrons emitted by the sun.

Residential solar energy systems typically generate around 10 watts per square foot, depending on the dimensions of a solar cell mounted on a home’s rooftop. However, the number of southerly exposure available ( or the area that remains un-shaded during the day ) decides the maximum amount of electricity from solar cells. As a consequence, your home solar power system may produce roughly electricity compared to your neighbor’s system.

If you are planning to change to solar electricity, remember that this kind of electricity is dearer than utility-supplied power. However, financing a residential solar power system can provide you with incentives and rebates, while allowing you to spread the costs over several years. Though you are like paying for years of electricity when you invest in a solar electricity system, solar electricity becomes more affordable and practical in the long run.

Folks select to invest in solar electrical systems for several reasons. While some people wish to reduce air pollution by saving the natural fossil fuel from the earth, others find the energy-producing investment saves them money from paying monthly electrical utilities. Without regard for private reasons on selecting solar power over normal utility-purchased electricity, each consumer who purchases home solar electricity systems can avoid possible rate hikes in the cost of utility-purchased electricity.

Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems

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$7.83

by Jim Martin

Wind energy is derived from solar resources. When sunrays cause heat to be spread in the earths atmosphere, a motion starts in air. This motion in air is called wind. However, the propensity to absorb heat amounts at the various layers of the earths atmosphere is not the same. The surface of the planet, with its sea bodies, oceans, hilly areas and plain lands, is not uniform either. The amount of currents of air that a particular region receives is different from that in another area. During the time of day, the sun beats down, and air, getting heated up, becomes less dense, and moves in the upward direction. The blank space thus created is soon taken over by the heavy, denser air that moves in quickly from the areas that lie near.

Even in earlier times, wind had been in use, for the sail of ships that would travel in the high seas. In the range of 40degrees(S) and 50degrees(S) latitudes, the winds of the Roaring Forties famously had a large hand in creating a route for all ships that were traveling between Australia and England (the Clipper Route). This route helped to speed up journeys across the Indian Ocean. Other types of trade winds also blew, helping sailors venture into unexplored parts of seas.

Over the past few years, the levels of Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have gone up significantly. Fossil fuel reserves are also being depleted. Hence, renewable energy sources are being sought for, and wind fits this requirement perfectly. There have been feuds among the countries that export oil (in the Middle East), adversely affecting the stocks of petroleum products. In view of these situations that have made the global petroleum scenario all the more grave, wind energy is often being used to generate electricity. Wind would always flow as long as the rays of the sun reach the surface of the earth. Hence, wind energy is renewable too.

American dwellers, from the early times, used windmills for cutting wood, pumping water and even for corn-grinding purposes. Taking a leaf from their books, modern engineers also create windmills (of a much more sophisticated type), which would be able to produce at least as much electricity as their predecessors. These windmills, however, do not at all look like the ones that were used earlier. Among the states of America, electricity-production via the usage of instruments driven by wind is the most in California. This state uses the highest amount of wind energy as well (more than double of that in any other American state). A suitable region in the coastal parts of Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been chosen as the venue of the introductory Wind Park located offshore. Here, different varieties of wind-driven machines and windmills would be used for test purposes.

The windmills (or, wind-driven equipments) in America can be broadly divided into two types ” Vertical-axis equipments and Horizontal-axis equipments. However, most of the windmills that are currently in use are of the Horizontal-type varieties. The blades of these windmills resemble the propellers of airplanes. These wind machines measure 200 (across), with three blades, and have a length like that of a 20-floor building. Unlikely as it might seem, the blades of the largest wind machine are larger than a football ground. These blades can capture the highest amounts of wind energy.

When electric power is produced on a mass scale, by keeping a large number of wind driven equipments together, the place is called a Wind Farm (or, a Wind power plant). The largest wind power plant of the world has the capacity to serve the electrical requirements of more than 220,000 households annually. This wind farm is located at Texas, and is named the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, with 421 wind turbines. Independent power producers mostly own these power plants, and ownership by companies of public utility is rather uncommon. The production and sale of electricity is carried out by the individual owners themselves.

The velocity of wind flows crucially determine the efficiency levels of wind powered turbines. However, the speed of wind fluctuates from one season to the next, and also varies between different regional parts. However, the US enjoys favorable wind conditions in most parts. For example, high velocity wind flows are common between the months of April and October, in the state of California (Tehachapi). This is because of the significant rise in the air temperatures above the Mojave Desert during the summer season. The air in this region, being warmer, also becomes lighter, and moves up. This creates a void in this region, which is soon filled up by cooler regions from nearby areas surrounding the Pacific Ocean that have lower temperatures. Thus, during summer, plenty of electricity is produced in California, making the use of air conditioners very common here. On the same count, winter months see the largest production of electricity in Montana, since the velocity of wind in these regions is highest during winter. Thus, many households and offices of this region make use of central heating systems.

Electric current produced from wind energy that generates electricity is environment-friendly. In fact, in this regard, wind energy comes second only to the electricity generated by solar power. Totally pollution-free and environmentally sustaining, wind energy is freely available to all, and that too, all round the year. However, regular maintenance of shafts that rotate (regarding their shapes and other features) is required. Such maintenance is not necessary in cases where solar energy is used. A solar panel does not have any mobile components, making such maintenance issues redundant.

For cutting down on the high levels of electricity bills, installation of a wind energy system is an ideal option. Environmental cleanness would be obtained as an added advantage. However, the following factors need to be looked into, before a wind energy unit can be set up: (1) where to set up the system in the home; (2) how to install the system correctly; (3) the techniques of completion of the wire networks; (4) the places from where free batteries and other system parts can be acquired; and (5) the required measures for precaution.

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by Jim Martin

Did You Know? You can create energy efficient solar powered home even if you don’t know much about an alternative energy. Find out how.

The traditional fossil fuel energy sources have resulted in considerably increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This, in turn, has resulted in global warming in large degrees. Indeed, most countries of the world perceive this issue with grave concern, and are unanimous in their opinion that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has to be brought down. This can be done by using only solar energy as the source of generating electricity. In fact, America has really shown great zeal in this regard. The government of the US is encouraging every family to utilize solar energy in their homes. The California Solar Initiative-organized “Million Sole Roofs program by 2017″ provides great incentives so that every home starts using solar power by 2017. Such steps have, unfortunately, not been witnessed in other countries.

Generally, two alternative ways can be adapted to access residential solar energy. Traditional solar panels can be installed at strategically important points, such that the panels receive sunlight during all parts of the day. The solar panels used in this method make use of clusters of photovoltaic cells, which, in turn, can be of several types. On the other hand, houses can be built, keeping solar panels as part of their edifice. Let us now look into some of the photovoltaic cells that are used in the earlier method.

The Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell panel comes with a plate glass surface that is transparent, a back layering of Tedlar, and uses, as encapsulate, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). These components are arranged properly by the exterior aluminum frame. Now, as soon as sunlight hits these solar panels, the organized structure of the atoms results in the sunlight being transformed to DC power. This DC output is then converted to usable 120 volts of AC electricity, by using inverters. The battery banks present in these panels help to store away any surplus electricity that might remain. This unutilized electric current can then be sold off to nearby utilities, provided the panel is grid-tied.

Lesser amounts of semiconductor material go into the manufacture of the Thin Film Solar Panel. Consequently, these solar panels are cheaper as well. Three primary formats are used in the mechanics of this panel. They are: a) amorphous Silicon (a-Si), b) cadmium telluride (CdTe) and c) copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). All of these modules count high on efficiency measures. They can also improve the modular effect of a house, since these panels can be directly setup on the roof shingles.

String-ribbon can also be used as a source of residential solar power, at certain instances. String-ribbon is basically a combination of the thin film technology and the traditional crystalline silicon method. It generally offers a two-fold power yield, unlike the conventional solar panels that were set up. This is facilitated by a high temperature and a molten process that is used.

The basic items of all photovoltaic cells are the solar panels. However, these cells also need a flexible, mounting structure because this helps ensure that the panels receive as much sunlight as possible. The sunrays are effectively trapped, and DC current is obtained as output. An inverter is kept in tow that converts the DC output to usable 120 volt AC electrical power, quickly and automatically. Any surplus amounts of electricity should be kept in reserve, so that they can be used at night. This is done by the storage appliances of the system. A charge controller, that can be easily used, is also provided, so that the battery performance can be maintained at the optimum level.

Grid-tie solar systems are generally the more preferred types of photovoltaic systems. This is primarily due to two reasons: a) When solar power generation is at a low level (in case the sky is not clear) or is, indeed, zero (at night), these systems are useful in drawing up power. More importantly, the grid-tie systems allow users to effectively store unutilized electricity. This electric power can now be sold in exchange of money, by transferring the former to the grids or utility. Hence, the customers can earn a significant amount by selling off surplus electricity, and this often matches the amount they have to pay for electric power consumed. Thus, electric bills are reduced to a great extent.

In faraway regions, like log cabins in forests, homes in desolate places or tents in the woods, off-grid residential solar energy is used. These systems primarily function as standalone systems for power generation. During the night, or when the sky is cloudy during the day, battery backup is required to ensure the flow of power. Gasoline, diesel and propane are also used as last resorts in certain off-grid photovoltaic systems, in order to generate power.

Governments, both at the federal and the state levels, are considerably encouraging the usage of residential solar energy in all homes. Solar power uses a freely abundant raw material (i.e., sunlight). Nor are there any running costs of using solar energy. In view of all these benefits, more and more people are gradually starting to use solar power for domestic purposes.

However, it is advisable to study an instruction manual before actually starting to use solar energy at home. Such a manual would provide instructions on the setup of the system and the place where it would work. Queries regarding the availability of free batteries as well as other parts (at relatively low prices) can also be solved by studying this manual. The manual would also describe the use of wires and the recommended safety measures. Once such knowledge is acquired, you can easily set up a residential solar power system at your home.

Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator

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$690.00

by Brian Bradley

The cost of a wind turbine is a vital consideration, but it is rarely answered by the currently available information sources.

The idea that you could construct a wind turbine for around $50.00 is not feasible unless you already have many of the parts on hand.

Here’s what you’ll need to build your own wind turbine in your backyard, and how much each part will cost:

1) A generator is necessary. An Ametek 30-40 vdc generator can be purchased on Ebay at a price between $30 and $50… This is a great choice, especially in lower wind speeds.

3) Next, go to your local hardware store and get some sheet metal (for the tail and body of your wind turbine) for $5.

3) You’ll need PVC pipe to make the rotor blades for your wind turbine – this is available for around $10, either online or at the hardware store.

4) To connect everything together, you need a “hub” – get it at your hardware store for $10, or make it yourself using circular metal alloy.

5) A Shaft or tower for support can be made out of old satellite TV towers or other materials purchased for around ten dollars.

6) As with all clean energy projects, you’ll need a deep-cycle batter for energy storage – pick it up for free at the golf course, or get it online for $10.

7) A charge controller to protect your battery from the elements is also a good idea – expect to spend about $25.

A dump load for the reception of any extra energy will not cost you anything if you have an old water heater or back-up battery pack around.

9) If AC power is being used, you need an AC Inverter. If you need one, you can get one for between $50 and $75, depending on the wattage needed.

10) Finally, you need the appropriate hardware to attach the blades to the hub, as well as tools like screw drivers, sockets, and sandpaper – allot $10 to this.

Adding up all these items, you see that the cost comes out to $160 to $225 – and if you already have a few of these items, you might get this as low as $100.

World leaders and environmentalists are singing the praises of the future of wind generated power. Countries around the globe are investing in new technologies and considering wind farms both on and off shore. The United States, Great Britain, and Australia are just three such countries committed to realizing the benefits of wind generated power.

Wind farms are housed both onshore and offshore. Off shore wind farms are a relatively new occurrence with the largest being off the coast of Scotland. The turbines are placed in rows along the ocean floor in shallow waters close to shore. California’s central valley has been home to wind farms for almost 30 years. The wind generated in the central valley is fed into the public energy grid. Because wind is an intermittent energy source it is often used as an energy supplement.

Great Britain plans to have the country powered by wind energy by 2020. This would be possible in major part to the topography of the ocean floor surrounding Great Britain. The floor is shelved and shallow making the cost of installing turbines manageable. The ideal spot for an offshore wind farm in the United States would be Cape Cod. The pacific coast of the United States is steep and treacherous making onshore wind farms a better option.

Offshore wind farms are attractive mainly because of the weather conditions produced by the ocean. Strong winds are regularly experienced, larger turbines can be installed and so more energy can be produced. On shore wind farms are also attractive for midland states like Montana and Kentucky where winds howl off the plains.

Wind power has the capacity to produce more than 100 billion kilowatt hours worldwide yearly. The main hindrance to this wind generated power technologies lies in the cost of the turbines. The rate at which the turbines pay themselves off however is faster than any other power producing mechanism.

European nations are already utilizing wind generated power to accommodate a portion of their population’s power needs. The United States, Denmark and Great Britain are leading the way and are pointing to the benefits of wind power for developing nations.

Funding for wind generating power projects come from a number of sources including, government, research groups, foundations and power companies. The outlook for wind farms is good in the United States. In a time of economic crisis it is estimated that government sponsored initiatives in alternative energy will produce jobs at a rate of 4.8 jobs for every mega watt of power installed.

Is wind power the solution for you to be power self sufficient? Some parts of the world have enough reliable wind to generate enough electricity to serve everyone’s needs.