Solar Power And Wind Power. Renewable Energy. Do it Yourself!

Residential vertical wind turbines and solar panels designs for the home – Homeowners earn tax credits and rebates for installing clean alternative en

2010-09-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

With the cost of electricity rising every year and the increased interest in global warming, many people are choosing clean energy solar and wind energy systems for their home. Not only can you reduce your electric bill, but you can also claim a fairly nice tax credit.
Right now, there are some incredible offers when it comes to build a home energy system.Take for instance the energy star tax credit which allows homeowners to claim a fully refundable tax credit for 30% of the purchase price of your system. There are several other addition tax credit that are available. Check with the state that you reside in to discover even more ways that you can save.

One of the most popular Guides to Build Your Own Home Energy System is the Earth4energy Plan. With a solar power system, solar panels are mounted to your roof, which collect sunlight and convert it into electric energy.
The cost of building such a system is completely affordable and you can really save some money between the tax savings and reduced monthly electric bill.

DIY Solar Power at Home

2010-09-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

The year is 2010 and our environment is deteriorating faster than ever before. The automakers are forced to convert to renewable energies if they wish to survive and the power of severe storms is more incredible than ever before. On top of all that, the icecaps are melting and we’re even cutting down our own rain forests. At the rate we’re going, we’ll be having some major environmental problems 30+ years down the road.
The proof is evident to most of us, but luckily we have the power to stop it. An ongoing trend is green energy and people are catching on. There are energy-efficient light bulbs, air conditioners, appliances, and much more. In this article I’d like to discuss one of the new green energy trends on the market, DIY solar power and DIY wind power.
Many people are interested in solar and wind power for their home for two primary reasons. First of all, you save money, and lots of it. If you’re in an area that gets plenty of sun year-round or plenty of wind year-round then you’re truly missing out. The other reason is to save our precious environment for our kids, grandchildren, and many more of our generations to come.
The first thing people turn toward when looking for solar and wind power for their home is a professionally built and installed system. However, these systems literally cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. The typical green energy go-getter (or family for that matter) cannot afford such a system. Not only are they expensive, but the services are hard to come by in some areas. But, what if you could build your own solar panels or your own wind turbines for a fraction of the cost?
It may sound impractical for DIY solar power and wind power because they are newer technologies and sound complex. Besides, where would you buy the materials or kits? Well, I’ve stumbled upon an online guide for DIY solar power and DIY wind power systems. Little to my knowledge, there are many available for purchase online and I’ll share that information with you shortly. First, I’d like to talk about these guides a bit.
DIY solar power & wind power guides show you how to build solar panels and wind turbines from materials most people can find at their local hardware stores. Some people even get into the hobby of building these for fun or for neighbors. Although a DIY project still costs money, it’s far cheaper than a professional job, and they easily pay for themselves over time. If you’re a craftsman, your work can be as professional as a purchased solar panel system.
It all truly depends on where you live, but one wind turbine can generate a significant amount of electricity if you live around the plains. Solar panels on the other hand, you may need a few rigged together to get some decent wattage out of them. Some of the authors will claim you can actually sell any additional power that you generate back to your power company.
Considering you don’t have a surplus of cash sitting in the bank for a professional solar power panel system, but you’re interested in the continued effort to convert to green energy, save money in the long run, and increase the value of your house, give a DIY Solar power project a try, or at leasty a look, before pouring thousands into a professional system.

Home Wind Power

2010-01-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Using wind power at home to generate electricity will certainly give you a great result, with the possibility of reducing your electricity bill by up to 75%. Taking advantage of just a wind power system has been proven to give great results but for even better results this can be combined with a solar energy system. If situated where the wind is consistent then a wind power system would work best. If located in sunny conditions then a solar energy system would give best results. However, that varies according to the geographical position of your location. Regardless of the season, certain regions such as those located closer to the equator, might benefit from a large quantity of sun all year long. While other regions such as parts of the U.S like Mount Washington, are recognized for their constant windy conditions. If there is an abundancy of both sun and wind where you are located then certainly utilizing both the wind power system with a
solar energy system would be great. On the whole by assessing the overall weather conditions overall where you are residing this would help determine which system would be your best choice.

Constructing your own home wind power generator is quite a simple task. A wind generator can be easily assembled by any competent DIY enthusiast. Granted that some motivation and dedication will come in handy, so the only thing that you truly require is an understandable instruction manual. This type of manual will guide you through the process in a comprehensive manner. the most suitable guide to help will provide details of materials and equipment you may need and step by step instructions, with all technological aspects. Of course once you have your guide with some hand tools and basic power you are ready to begin.

The size of your wind power generator or turbine will depend mostly on the individual power requirements of your home. For instance, 2000 watts and higher , then a larger wind power generator would be your best choice. On the other hand, if your needs border 700 to 2000 watts of power, then a smaller wind generator will be sufficient.
The most popular wind turbines used for home are the smaller installations. As you can imagine the larger the generator or turbine gets the assembly and installation becomes more intricate. However this would also depend on how much space you have and on your budget , there’s nothing that indicates that it couldn’t be done at home. If you are looking at building or installing a wind power generator and only have a small amount of space, I would recommend a smaller turbine particularly for the first time. You may require a metal lathe and a welding machine to construct your wind turbine.

It’s important with whichever size of wind turbine you decide to go with, that it is constructed properly and that it maintains a strong foundation. For a wind turbine to give best results consider the height as better winds are captured at higher altitudes. A wind turbine which has been built properly will provide a constant supply of energy.

There are many advantages for using wind power at home, some of these include the production of clean energy, great for the environment, very affordable installation costs and ofcourse the main attraction is its completely free. Wind power is also not just restricted for homes. It is also becoming more common in commercial areas. Office buildings all over the world are being powered by using wind turbines.

It is possible to generate surplus electricity by using home wind power systems. Some utility companies depending on where you are located will purchase it which can also make you a little extra money. Imagine saving on your elecricity bill, producing clean energy and having the opportunity to sell any surplus energy just by using wind power at home. To sum it all up its a win win situation if wind power is your choice, you can only achieve more and you will never look back. A positive outcome is without doubt what you should only expect.

I really hope you have enjoyed reading this article, check out: Earth4energy.com webpage. Here you will discover a great ebook with step-by-step instructions and video lessons to help build and complete your very own turbine which you can use to start generating power of your own instantly.

Residential Wind and Solar Power - Start Using it Today!

2010-01-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Using an alternative energy as a source of electricity is one of the hottest issues in this day and age. This is due to the fact that the supply of fossil fuels can no longer accommodate daily electricity consumption or to be recruited by all human beings in the world. Thus, the best way, you can do is try a type of alternative energy such as solar and wind power to generate electricity. These two types of energy are clean, eco-friendly, free, and renewable. As a matter of fact, these characteristics are the reasons why most of the energy sector and environmental experts recommends the use of residential wind and solar power system. There are actually a lot of advantages that you get once you use a residential wind and solar power system. Some of these advantages are: ? The supply of wind and solar power are endless. It only means that there will be no such thing as a shortage in the supply of either wind or solar energy. This is due to the fact that until the sun is in heaven above, and as long as you can feel the wind then, there is an adequate supply of both wind and solar energy. Thus, there is nothing to worry about the supply of wind and solar energy. ? You can save a huge sum of money every year with the wind and the residential solar power system. This is actually the big advantage that you can get from a residential power. This implies that only with the help of a power system at home, now you can eliminate the high cost of your monthly electricity bill, giving you the chance to earn a huge sum of money every month within a year. ? A residential system of power, using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, is irrefutably the nature-friendly. This is due to the fact that the power systems using renewable forms of energy do not produce harmful gases or liquids that can damage the condition of the environment. In fact it's safe to say that you can help save and protect nature and the environment with the simple use of a wind or solar power system to produce electricity for your home. ? You can buy some incentives from the government through the use of residential wind and solar power system. This is particularly true since the government now has a strong campaign against global warming. In light of this, the government has decided to give some benefits and incentives to families, using homemade wind and solar energy systems. Indeed, using a residential wind and solar power system is a great opportunity for you to take into account because it has a lot of advantages to offer, not only for the human race, but the environment as well. In fact, some of its many benefits and advantages have already been mentioned above. Thus, the final decision is now up to you. If you really want to experience the outstanding benefits offered by power systems at home then you should start thinking of having wind and solar power system for your home. After all, there is nothing wrong with looking at some useful sources of energy such as wind and solar power as a way to generate electricity for your home.Want to learn more? please visit Earth4energy.com

How Many Batteries Does My Solar System Need?

2009-11-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

So, you have decided that you want solar power for homes. You’ve checked out a few solar panels
and visualized what they might look like in or on your house or office … but how can you tell exactly how many solar power panels will you need?
Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200

Here’s how to determine exactly how much wattage you’ll need, specifically tailored for your home individually and how to take that info and use it to know precisely how many solar panels you will need. Would that be useful? You know it would!

You have to start by establishing how much energy your home consumes. You cannot know the exact amount of solar power panels that you’ll need until you have accurately made that calculation.

Do this by studying your old utility bills. Establish your monthly average energy usage, ideally over the course of a full year to account of the changes in the seasons. Take note of the total amount of kilowatts per hour (kw/hr) your home consumes.

To get the average kw/hr your home requires, simply divide the total kw/hr by the total number of days in the billing period you’re looking at. Most utility company billing periods are for 30 days.

By doing that you will know how many kw/hr your solar power for homes system will require each day to meet your solar energy needs. If you do this for the whole year, you’ll know both your average daily usage and times in which your consumption is likely going to peak. This is essential information for sizing up how many watts your home needs.

You have to confirm that your electricity company is happy to buy back the extra solar power that your solar power system makes. While it is rare indeed for an electricity company to actually pay you for the extra electricity you supply them, most are happy to buy back power up to the extent of your current bill. After that, they will accept it but only under condition that they won’t actually pay you for it. You need to check out where your local company stands on this matter.

If you are someone who is choosing to not go fully off-grid (which is perfectly reasonable by the way!) and you haven’t invested in any batteries to store the extra solar power, then some days you’ll be selling your solar energy to the utility company. In the U.S., by law electric companies have to pay you whatever rate you would pay them. On other days, you don’t produce enough solar power for homes and you may be buying energy from them. Either way, over the duration of a full year, you want to aim at having your energy bill end up around the zero mark. In other words, you want to have just the right amount of solar power panels, not too many and not to few.

Energy companies rarely (if ever) offer to give you money if you over-supply them. So do not build a solar power for homes system that will produce more solar energy than you could ever possibly use. You want the system to generate just enough to keep your bills at zero.

To establish exactly how many watts of solar power panels you need, you have to work out how many hours of direct sunlight that your solar power for homes system will receive. Effectively, how many hours of direct sunlight does your home soak up on average over the course of the year?

There are several ways to work this out. The ‘hard way’ is to take time daily to notice for how long the sun shines on the part of your roof where you are thinking of installing your solar power panels. Now let’s face it! Because you probably won’t want to keep this up this laborious daily chore for a whole year, this way is almost certainly totally impractical.

If your solar power for homes system has tracking system, (a built in ability to move and track the sun) the number of hours of sunlight your roof receives will not be the same as the number of hours of direct sunlight. Your calculations will be different because the sun’s light hits the solar power panels from many different angles (not only when it’s coming in at right angles to your roof).
Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200

Generally speaking, most houses enjoy roughly 5 hours direct sunlight on average throughout the year. This is a rough approximation, so don’t get upset with me if it turns out you get less energy than this article suggested! (You could always return to daily readings if you want!)

If you live in the U.S. and you want to get a far more accurate assessment, look for your local average regional value. In August 2004, the Florida Solar Energy Center presented a study entitled “Geographic Variation in Potential of Rooftop Residential Photovoltaic Electric Power Production in the United States” in which they tested power generation
of a 2 kilowatt solar power for homes system all around the U.S.A. They took readings in more than 200 locations throughout the U.S. The research showed that on average a 2 kw rooftop system would harness between 5 and 8.5 kw/hr per day throughout the year.

So taking the low end of the scale, a 2-kw system would experience 5 hours per day of sunshine. Therefore, that 2-kw system could expect to enjoy 10 kw/hr of solar power per day on average across the period of the whole year.

Consider how you were planning to use the solar power for homes. Were you wanting to go completely off-grid? That will create greater demands on your solar power for homes system. Also, be aware of any potential problems such as tall trees blocking your sunlight to the solar power panels.

If your average power consumption were to be 600 kw/hr per month and you establish that your electricity company has a billing period of 30 days per month, then you can know that your daily energy consumption is 20 kw/hr per day (i.e. 600 kw/hr divided by 30 days per month).

Using the Florida simulation data found in the graphic entitled, “Geographic Variation of PV Power Production Around the U.S.”, we can see for example that the southernmost tip of Florida has an estimated value of 7.5 kw/hr based on the use of a 2kw rooftop PV system. Therefore, we can know that people living in Southern Florida receive an approximate average of 3.5 hours of direct sunlight per day.

If you know your home is currently using 20kw of electricity per day (aka 20,000 watts), then, given that you know you receive an average of 3.5 hours per day of sunlight from which to produce your total solar energy needs, then the solar power for homes system you would need to incorporate roughly 5,700 watts of solar power panels to deliver the amount of energy your home typical consumes everyday.

Build Solar Panels for Your Home Cheap.

2009-11-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

Ever opened your electric bill and said “Wow we need to cut back?” Well no you don’t If you leabuild your own cheap solar panels you can easily decrease your electric bill by a massive amount. Take a look below for more information on why you should and how you could switch to solar.
1. What can you expect from your solar panel investment?

1. They last a really long time and are virtually maintenance free. A lot of people don’t realize how cheap and effective this investment can really be. 2. They are extremely cost effective and you can expect them to pay for themselves in just a few months and they have long term payouts. Some people avoid utility bills all together and even generate surplus power that is returned to the grid and receives credit from the utility company or you can use this energy at a later date. A solar panel investment is a good place to start if you are planning tom make your home more energy efficient.

2. What is the cost of solar panels and are they really worth the investment?

There are two ways to make the investment. The smartest and most effective way is to build your own solar panels. It sounds more like a job description than something that the average person can do. But you would be surprised of the simplicity behind constructing your own panels and even doing your own installations. Or you can buy retail versions that can run you several thousands of dollars and could take several years before you see any positive equity from your investment. Building your own solar panels is the cheapest and the overall most practical way to make your investment and it is something that ANYONE can do. All you need is the right step by step instructional guide that will walk you through every step of the conversion to make it as easy as possible by showing you all the affordable ways to get materials, construct, and install your new system for a small fraction of where you’d expect to pay elsewhere.

3. Environmental and financial benefits of using solar panels as an alternative energy source.

The sun puts off enough energy every hour to supply the Earths energy demands for an entire year and it is a natural source of energy that just goes to waste. The solar cells in the panels absorb this energy and convert into electricity that emit no greenhouse gasses or harmful emissions which makes this one of the ultimate alternative energy sources ever. The financial benefits speak for themselves. It really all depends on how far you are willing to take your project. Solar panels can handel a number of individual jobs or one huge massive job and Earth 4 Energy’s step by step guide supplies you the tools and information needed to construct your panels and apply them where necessary and how to optimize them for maximum results. Download Earth 4 Energy’s informational guide here http://f37e57hoq-2c4fd6bnxdcsdk7y.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=GOOGLEblog

Solar For Your House: Learn The Lizard Lesson.

2009-11-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Using the power of the sun to provide heat or light in your home can be done a couple of ways. In this article, we look to lizards for a basic solar lesson.

Solar For Your House: Learn The Lizard Lesson

Nature is a funny thing. If we pay close attention to it, we can often find the answer to many questions. Solar is no different. In this case, we are going to look at lizards for guidance.

Undoubtedly, you have seen lizards sunning themselves on rocks if you have ever gone hiking or even just sat outside. If you gave it any thought, you realized the lizard was using solar power to warm itself. It positioned itself to maximize the exposure to the sun by determining where it was going to get the maximum warmth. As odd as it may sound, using the sun to heat your house involves the same approach.

The goal of natural solar heating for a house is to maximize the exposure to the sun throughout the year. The more surface area that is exposed, the more energy you can convert. Get it wrong, and your results will be very disappointing.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the south side of your house will always receive the most sunlight. As a practical matter, this means the longest side of your house should face south. This side should also contain the most windows to convert the energy. While facing south is important, there is an additional step.

The Earth tilts through different degrees throughout the year, one of the factors that gives us seasons. You need to realize this and position your house for the appropriate time of the year. You are probably not going to need heating during the summer. As a result, you should not orient your home to the path of sun during this period of time. Instead, you should determine the path of the sun during the winter, to wit, the angle at which it strikes your property. You will be surprised how much of a difference there is, but will be glad you take it into account since this is when you need to the most heating.

Much like a reptile changes places on a rock throughout the day, you need to gauge the best position for your house to take advantage of the power of the sun.

Learn how to create electricity and save your bills!! Read on how you can make your very own solar panels at your own home!

How to generate free electricity-Magnetic Generator-Solar Panel-Electricity Windmill.

2009-11-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

The concept of Free Electricity in households is very hot this period because of the economic recession that many nations go through. People want to cut expenses and the idea of reducing electricity bills for homes by at least 50% is very appealing. Imagine that for a second: Your average monthly electricity bill could be around $200 so saving half of that would mean a total savings per year around $1200 which is a nice sum of money.

There are a few Do-It-Yourself electricity generator plans and guides that you can find on the Internet. They are really helpful as they take you by the hand and show you how to create a “homemade” electricity generator with materials and tools that you can find easily on a DIY store. These generators are mostly based on wind or solar energy. The DIY guides basically show you on video and using graphical plans how to build solar panels and windmill electricity power systems. This means that the generator basically works with either wind or sun light in order to generate electricity from those energy sources. However, what if the place you live does not have a lot of wind or there is not much sun throughout the year?

I have stumbled across a new type of DIY electric generator, the so called “zero point perpetual magnetic generator”. This electricity generator is based on magnetic energy. You basically construct a free-wheel turbine motor which is placed in the middle of strong permanent magnets. The magnets are placed in such a way such that their magnetic field forces the turbine motor to rotate (indefinitely as they claim). The rotation of the turbine motor is what generates the electricity energy.

All of the above green-energy sources are an excellent concept for home use in my opinion. My only doubt is about how much reduction in electricity bills you can achieve. I have my doubts regarding the power efficiency and how much actual electricity you can produce with such systems. If you are a person with good practical skills you can try one of those DIY guides about “generating free electricity” and draw your own conclusions. If your home electrical needs are relatively small, I believe that a “free electricity generator” can reduce your bills by a significant amount. If you however live in a house with high electricity consumption, then don’t bother with such a DIY electrical generator. Check out the following guides about building your own “green electricity” generator for more information.

Magnetic Generator DIY Guide

Solar Panel and Electricity Windmill Generator DIY

How To Make A Small Solar Panel-Learn How To Make A Small Solar Panel

2009-11-03T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking about setting up solar power for your home, you would certainly want to know how to make a small solar panel to solar power your home. Nowadays with the advancement in technology and due to the widespread availability of the required raw materials more and more people are building their own solar panels rather than buying from the stores directly, as it can cost them an eye and a leg. However, exactly how much does solar power cost? That’s what we are going to have a look at.

How To Make A Small Solar Panel

Making a small solar panel can be quite an easy task. However, before you start with anything you need to try and learn as much as you can about solar panels and solar power. You can use the internet to you advantage, get more information about solar power, how it works, how solar power is converted by solar panels into usable electrical power..etc…

To make a small solar panel you don’t require an engineering degree of any sorts…its no rocket science! The required raw materials such as copper sheets, sand paper, plastic bottle, a big jar and other tools are quite cheap and will be readily available at the local hardware or electrical store.

A step-by-step DIY guide is essential to learn how to make a small solar panel. By getting hold of a DIY manual that shows even the minutest details ranging from the purchase of the required components to the set-up of all the components, learning how to make solar panels is going to be a piece of cake for you.

However, if you are not too sure about making a solar panel yourself, you can go azhead and buy a solar power kit….follow the simple step-by-step instructions contained and build your own small solar panel kit on your own. These kits simply do not require any technical knowledge and are pretty much self-explanatory. Moreover, these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of a ready made solar panel sold commercially.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost

If you intend to build the solar power system by yourself from scratch then its just going to cost you……drumroll please………$200! The same solar panel with a much lower power efficiency is sold commercially for more than $5000!

The cost of the commercially sold solar panels will give a much clearer view of how much you are set to save should you learn how to make a small solar panel. Solar power is a great source of renewable energy, which is not going to diminish any time soon. Solar panels have an average life-span of 25-30 years, so we are looking here at a saving more than hundreds of thousands of $! Go ahead and solar power your home for a very small investment and never pay for electricity again!

Obtain pragmatic advice in the sphere of how to install suspended ceiling – please go through this webpage. The times have come when concise info is really only one click away, use this opportunity.

You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

2009-09-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the instructions are easy to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.

Declare Independence And Build Solar Panels

2009-09-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to electric bills and hello to renewable energies. Solar power is one of the best and most reliable renewable energy sources available. The problem most novice environmental warriors find is that the cost of professionally installed solar power systems is way beyond their budget and it could take well over 10 years to see a return on their investment. Never fear, there are alternatives. The most cost-effective way to take advantage of the power of the sun is to build solar panels on your own.

Sound like too much? If you are scared it would be difficult, it is just not true. It is easy to build solar panels with the proper instructions. Easy enough for kids, teens and adults. The parts aren’t complicated either. Most of the supplies you would need to build solar panels are available at your local hardware store or you can purchase a solar panel kit, which will include all the parts you require to be generating your own energy from the sun. It is possible to construct several small solar panels to power small appliances or small tools in your workshop. Or for the very adventurous and determined alternative energy seeker, you could build solar panels to service a much larger electric load.

There are many resources and guides available with detailed instructions on how to build solar panels. The first and most important step is to seek out quality detailed instructions. Then it is off to your local hardware store to find or order your supplies and next thing you know, or the next time you have some free time, you will be able to assemble and install the system yourself. Watch out though, the neighbors may start asking you to build solar panels for them too.

Not only is it going to save you money to build solar panels yourself, but you can feel proud that you are doing your part for the environment as well. Declaring your independence from fossil fuels and making a much-needed impact on the world and in your neighborhood.

Professional solar power systems can cost thousands to be installed and in today’s economy most of us don’t have money to spare. Make the choice to go solar today and learn to build solar panels on your own. It will be savings you can be proud of.

It's Easy To Learn How To Make Solar Panels

2009-09-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Plenty of people have been looking into installing solar panels in an effort to combat rising energy costs. When most of these people see the prices of the professionally installed panels they realize it may not be a luxury they can afford. There is an easier, more cost efficient way to harness power from the sun and that is to learn how to make solar panels for your self.

Any motivated do-it-yourselfer can learn how to make solar panels for their home, workshop or business. When compared to the cost of purchasing and installing a pre-made solar energy system, learning how to make solar panels for your energy needs and the materials you need to execute the project are far less. By learning how to make solar panels for yourself, you have greater control over the size and design of your system as well.

Once you have a quality manual and you have learned how to make solar panels, the supplies are fairly simple to find. Most can be found at your local hardware store like, plywood, sheets of glass, and a roll of copper wire. It is also easy to locate inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use in your project. Many are available over the Internet or you may have a retailer available locally. One you’ve learned how to make solar panels and you have your supplies, it usually takes about a day to assemble a 100-watt panel. This is the perfect amount of electricity to operate small appliances or a small workshop.

The most important step is finding a quality manual with detailed instructions for learning how to make solar panels. In many cases you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on a well-reviewed instruction manual. Overall, the cost of the making your own panels is so low, the price of the how to guide is minimal-you will still be paying way less learning how to make solar panels on your own than purchasing a professionally installed system.

With a little bit effort, you can be on your way to learning how to make solar panels to meet your energy needs. Then sit back and bask in the pride the next time the power goes out on your block. Your lights will still be on because you learned how to make solar panels and your energy supply is still in your battery bank.

Can Anyone Live Off The Grid?

2009-09-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

When you talk about alternative energy and living off the grid, a lot of people feel instantly that they will have to give up most of their modern amenities to live in such a fashion. Many more think this is an endeavor solely for granola loving hippies, whose modest ways coincide with fewer technologies, TVs, ACs, etc. The truth is, living off the grid is a possibility open to anyone. Granted, you may have a larger investment if you are powering three chest freezers and all high-energy appliances, but this would simply mean you need a larger system.

The increased demand for renewable energy technology has led to the development of more efficient and easy to use components to make living off the grid a reasonable option for anyone willing to be mindful of their energy consumption.

Using renewable energy sources to produce electricity is a fairly simple process. You need a power source-sun, wind or water-from which you will harness a low voltage direct current that is then converted, using an inverter, into usable house current (AC). Excess current generated by your system is stored in battery banks where it can be retrieved during more high demand times or times when the direct energy source is unavailable.

Living off the grid with renewable power resources is almost completely automated as well. Except for the maintenance of your batteries, there is almost no special attention needed, other than monitoring your energy use to make sure you do not exceed your supply with your demand. The key to success in living off the grid is making sure you size your system to meet the demand of your energy needs.

Living off the grid can be an exhilarating experience. The feeling of energy freedom is like no other and you can be proud of your efforts to combat global warming and best of all, you may never have to worry about a power outage again. 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.

Off Grid Living - You Can Do It Too!

2009-09-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Use The Power Of The Sun With Solar Electricity

2009-09-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

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.

What To Know Before Purchesing Home Solar Electricity

2009-09-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

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 .

Is A Solar System Right For You?

2009-09-04T07:49:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking about purchasing a solar electricity system for your home or business then you are joining millions of other energy-conscious individuals around the world. Solar electricity systems provide reliable, pollution free energy from a renewable resource better known as the sun. Solar electricity systems are becoming more affordable as advancements are made in photovoltaic designs and construction.

Adding to the affordability, many solar electricity systems are able to participate in net metering in several states. This means that as your solar electricity system generates more power than you are using, your meter runs backwards resulting in an even swap of power that you use at other times when you exceed the power supplied by your own solar electricity system.

Before you invest in a solar electricity system for your home or business, it is best to understand exactly what you are purchasing and how solar electricity is generated. The building block of any solar electricity system is the photovoltaic cells, which are wired together to produce solar electricity modules. The electricity produced from the modules or panels is then passed through an inverter that changes the current from AC to DC, making it usable to power household appliances and the utility grid. It is often a popular choice to include batteries in a solar electricity system to store backup power to be used in times of low sun light and power outages.

It is important to realize that solar electricity systems work intermittently or only when the sun hits them. This is not a problem if you utilize battery backup systems or are connected to the grid. Installing a solar electricity system can also come with an initially high investment cost and it can take years before the system pays for itself. However, with net metering and government funded rebates, many are able to pay off systems much more quickly.

You definitely don’t need to know the physics of solar electricity systems to understand its appeal. A solar electricity system will never run out of fuel nor will it increase our dependency on foreign oil. Stop thinking about a solar electricity system for your home or business and start investing in your freedom by starting your research of solar electricity systems today.

Solar Energy Panels For Home or Business

2009-09-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Converting To A Solar Home

2009-09-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

There are many affordable options to convert your home into a solar home and solar energy technologies can supply for several different uses in a solar home. Passive solar design can provide heating, cooling and natural light for your home. Solar electricity options are available to power home appliances and solar water heating can provide hot water options for laundry and general household water use (showers, cooking, cleaning). When planning a solar home it is important to consider which solar energy options are most efficient, and cost effective for your situation.

A passive solar home utilizes home design to provide heating, cooling and natural light without the use of any special equipment. A passive solar home basically uses the environment to accomplish great reductions in energy use. A passive solar home uses construction materials and design to utilize the sun’s heat during winter months and block the sun’s heat during summer months. There are several passive solar techniques you can use in a solar home, direct gain, radiant heat from sunlight passing directly into a living space and being absorbed by furniture, flooring etc and usually achieved with south facing window installations, indirect gain, involving an attached Trombe wall that collects heat and distributes it throughout the home by the use of fans, thermal mass, which are materials that naturally collect and store heat such as brick or stone, and passive cooling, which generally includes overhangs for south-facing windows to block the sun during summer months for cooling the solar home.

Another feature often found in a solar home is the use of solar electricity. Solar electricity is generated when photovoltaic cells are used to absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. The energy produced by solar panels must be converted to DC (household power) through the use of an inverter. Solar electricity can be used to supplement metered electric already being received by a solar home or with the use of a battery storage bank, can be used as the only electric source for the home. If the later is going to be used, it is suggested that owners of the solar home have a generator available for backup power.

Solar water heating is one of the most common uses of solar energy in a solar home. There are two kinds of solar water heating available for solar home use. The first is a closed loop system, which can be used in areas that are not prone to freezing. These systems use water filled tubes that are heated directly by the sun. A closed loop system uses an anti-freeze type liquid to collect heat from the sun and then the heated liquid is used to heat household water via a heat exchanger.

Regardless of which steps you take toward converting to a solar home, energy efficiency is the most important attribute to a successful solar home operation. Energy efficiency minimizes the need for heating, cooling and electricity. Using higher insulation levels, more energy efficient windows, appliance and lighting than used in traditional construction, you will already be saving yourself a lot of money and energy. However these changes may not be an option when converting an existing home into a solar home, so make any changes possible to your home energy efficiency and adapt other solar practices to convert your existing home into a solar home.

Learn To Build Wind Turbines

2009-09-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Want Free Power? Build A Wind Generator

2009-09-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Why Choose Renewable Wind Energy

2009-09-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

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?

It Is Time To Utilize Renewable Solar Energy

2009-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

The sun is the life giving force of our existence. Solar energy, the light and heat radiated by the sun, is what feeds us, clothes us and provides means for our shelter. However, renewable solar energy can provide us with much more. Using renewable solar energy can provide both economic and environmental benefits as well.

Renewable solar energy is an excellent source of electricity. Rather than dwindling more fossil fuels to feed power plants, we can take advantage of huge savings and electricity by utilizing renewable solar energy. Renewable solar energies come with very little pollution when they convert electricity from solar panels or thermal devices. Renewable solar energies do not contribute to the effects of global warming.

Solar energy is a renewable resource. Yes, there are days when the sun doesn’t shine enough to generate electricity, but there are far more days when the sun is there and not being utilized to power our homes, businesses and workshops. Once you invest in renewable solar energy, you can save greatly on maintenance costs as most systems have no moving parts and require little upkeep.

By utilizing passive renewable solar energy, you can build a solar home that requires very low energy use. To use passive renewable solar energy you must include south facing windows in your home design, in combination with products like brick and stone that provide heat radiating thermal mass. In combination with a solar hot water system and solar electric panels you can take full advantage of renewable solar energy resources.

It is also possible to build your own solar panel and solar hot water systems for your design. By building your own components you can greatly reduce the time needed to pay for your renewable solar energy system. Building your own solar energy system also allows you to fully understand the mechanics and physics behind harnessing solar energy. This can be an educational benefit for all members of the family and building your own systems will lower the cost of your renewable solar energy household by at least half when compared to purchasing the system and having it installed professionally.

Start utilizing the power of the sun and design a plan for your renewable solar energy system. With research and elbow grease you can be on your way to a lower monthly budget and a more environmentally friendly home or business. Renewable solar energy is going to be the way of the future and the Earth will thank you.

Is Renewable Energy Technology Really Available To Homeowners?

2009-09-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

With the rising energy costs and effects of global warming so prevalent today, many people are wondering if there is truth to the concept of renewable energy technology. There also appears to be confusion between alternative energy technology and renewable energy technology. Alternative energy encompasses all renewable energy sources, but includes things like nuclear power and energy from municipal waste. These are carbonaceous examples. Renewable energy technology focuses on energy that is replaced as it is being used, such as solar energy and wind energy.

With that clear, are there truly benefits on a home or small business level to renewable solar technology? Absolutely. Truthfully, by utilizing renewable energy technology on a home level you can save yourself thousands of dollars each year. Renewable energy technology has gained popularity in recent years and it has become increasingly easy to meet your home’s energy needs with just a little handyman work. With the information available about renewable energy technology, it is possible to build renewable energy products, such as a windmill or solar panel, on your own. Do-it-yourselfers are saving huge amounts of pocket change by building and installing these systems themselves. If you have the money to invest in a commercial professionally installed system, in general these are more efficient, however, savings can still be realized, and at a much faster rate, by researching and building your own renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy technology is advancing with each day. Solar electrical systems have advanced from giant roof panels to thin layers of film that are twice as conductive and work with less sunlight. There are now solar powered charges for cell phones, batteries and other small household items. Windmills have been made more aerodynamic for greater action and electricity generation. Renewable energy technology can even be seen along today’s highways as small solar/wind operation stations powering signs and lights.

The truth is renewable energy technology is working and you can put it to work for you in your home or business. With growing popularity and more consumer use, renewable energy technology could minimize our effects of global warming, help alleviate financial stress and create a world less depend on fossil fuels.

What are Green Energy Sources

2009-09-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Many homeowners today are looking into integrating green energy sources for developing more energy efficient homes and businesses. A green energy source is power generated through renewable resources, such as the sun, wind and water. The other benefit of green energy sources is their low contribution to global warming, pollution and other environmental issues.

The most popular of green energy sources is the sun. Energy captured from the sun is called solar energy. Of the green energy sources, solar energy is the most popular because it offers multiple options for use. It is possible to harness electrical energy from the sun using solar panels consisting of photovoltaic cells that convert energy from the sun into electricity you can use in your home or business. There are also solar hot water collectors that use the heat of the sun to produce hot water. These solar green energy sources are readily available and increasing in popularity as most homes and businesses can have them mounted on their roof and they can take advantage of lowered utility costs.

The most efficient of green energy sources is wind. Wind has been used to power water pumps for centuries, but has grown in popularity as a way to supplement home and business electricity needs. Wind is the safest and cleanest of the green energy sources as it produces no pollutants and does not contribute to global warming. Wind energy is harnessed by erecting a turbine that spins in the breeze generating electricity. Unlike the sun, which can be found almost anywhere, in order to utilize wind as a green energy source, you must live in an area where wind is readily available.

Water is also a viable participant of green energy sources. Water is less widely used as a green energy source for homes, as not all homes have an available stream to produce the needed electricity. The Amish have used water to power entire shops using conveyer belt systems, so it is an old practice, but it is still being used successfully today. As with solar and wind energy, energy harnessed from moving water is almost completely pollutant free and is generated from a renewable resource.

Green energy sources are available for use to combat global warming, our dependence on fossil fuels and to lower our monthly budget. Investing in green energy sources for your home and business needs can add dollars to your wallet and years to the life of our Earth.