Homemade Solar and Wind Power systems

Almost on a daily basis we are being told of the need to conserve energy and of the affect on the planet of carbon emissions. There are those of course who still believe that the melting of the polar icecap is something that is a natural occurrence. They are probably now in the minority, and certainly fossil fuels will eventually run out and there is little doubt that they pollute the atmosphere.

What is certain is that as fossil fuels grow scarce then those who produce them are going to charge higher and higher prices for them. Therefore it makes a great deal of sense to look for other means of generating power, and since most of us live in areas where there is either plenty of sunshine or plenty of wind then we should harness these two natural sources of energy.

Now that it is possible to build Homemade Solar and Wind power systems inexpensively, there is no reason why we should not have both systems in our homes. Even if you are not concerned with saving the planet, most people in these tough economic times certainly want to reduce the cost of their energy supply in the form of electricity. I have set below the details of how you can create your own electricity.

Lets look first at the most abundant natural source of energy, namely the sun. Energy from the sun is used in Homemade Solar power systems to create electricity to run appliances and lighting. Photovoltaic cells are used in these systems to convert solar radiation into electricity. The cells are made of one or two layers of what is generally silicon which is a semi-conducting material.

Light shining on the cells creates an electrical field across the layers. Photovoltaic cells only require daylight to generate electricity, rather than direct sunlight, obviously the greater the intensity of the light the greater the flow of electricity. This seems like a contradiction, but it is not, what it means is that on a dull day your solar power system will still generate electricity, but not as much as on a sunny day.

This is in complete contrast to solar energy used to heat water where you require sunlight in order to heat the water. This is a really important distinction.
It is usual to connect Individual Photovoltaic cells together to form modules which are then linked and sized according to the load required to form what is called a PV array. Most good instruction manuals give full details on how to connect the cells together in order to form an array or solar panel.

The sun does not always shine of course so the addition of a Homemade Wind power system is a very useful backup for dull days. Harnessing wind as a renewable energy source involves converting the power within a moving air mass (wind) into rotating shaft power which in turn generates electricity. In other words a wind turbine containing rotors which are driven by the force of the wind, a windmill.

The speed of the wind increases with height., therefore it is useful if you happen to live on a hill and with clear exposure. The windmill should be sited away from the house, other buildings or trees. This is why wind turbine are mounted on tall masts. Most small wind power systems or wind turbines suitable for the home generate direct current (DC) and require battery storage and an inverter to convert direct electricity current to alternating electricity current (AC).

A controller is also required to ensure the batteries are not over or under-charged and can direct power to another useful source such as space heaters or water heaters when the battery is fully charged.

Homemade Solar and Wind Power systems can be built by anyone at home in a matter of a few days once they have full instructions. There are a number of companies who will charge thousands of dollars to supply and fit these systems. However there is fortunately a choice of other companies who give full instruction manuals to enable anybody to build their own solar and Wind Power systems at home and obtain the materials required inexpensively at their local hardware store. A Homemade Wind Power system can be made for $100 and a Homemade Solar Power system can be made for $200.

The great thing is that you can save up to 80% on your electricity bill. Indeed it is even possible to sell back any excess production of electricity to the grid, thus making a gain.

Learn how to generate your own electricity.
Click Here!

Earth4energy - Review

I have looked at a number of other manuals in this sector and found that the Earth4energy manual provides the best overall package and is value for money. The Earth4energy manual offers the following:

* Step by Step fully illustrated manual written in plain English and easy to
understand plus easy to follow video instructions on how to build solar
panels and windmills. Only one other organization that I have seen offers
video instruction.
* The manuals have been tested on people who knew nothing about
renewable energy. They have good testimonials and apparently
thousands of customers worldwide.
* Earth 4energy provide advice on what to do before you start. This is
most important in terms of your location and exactly where you site your
windmill and solar panels. Only one other organization offers this advice.
* Tips are provided on where to acquire storage batteries free for your
homemade wind power system. Other manuals mention this, but do not
specifically offer advice on where to obtain the larger heavy duty
batteries which are more suitable for storage.
* Earth4energy offer an eight week money back guarantee, other manuals talk
of a 60 day guarantee.
* All manuals offer some support, but earth4energy offer a 12 hour email
response to queries which is unique to them. They also offer ongoing
updates for life and have a club which people can join. Only one other
organization offers a club.
* The earth4energy package offers a frequently asked questions section
which is unique to them.
* Price - $49.97 Sale price at present. This is competitive, one other
manual sells for $47, and yet another for $49.
* Bonus chapters - one other organization offers bonus chapters, but
earth4energy offer more relevant content with information on other
means of saving energy such as alternatives to the use of oil.
* Earth4energy does not provide a paper version of their manual, although
they do offer a CD for those who are unable to download it from the
internet. This is not really a disadvantage as nobody else offers anything
other than downloadable manuals.

Verdict:
Overall I believe that earth4energy offers the best all round package. It is easy to understand, comprehensive, the support is really good and ongoing. The best value for money.

Learn How to generate your own electricity:
Click Here!

Generation of Electricity from Natural Sources - Homemade Solar and Wind
Power systems

It is now obvious to the majority of people that we are destroying our planet with carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Sadly a lot of governments have been slow to recognize the urgency of improving the environment by introducing alternative sources of energy to reduce emissions. They talk of solutions like nuclear energy, but seem to have conveniently forgotten about the Chernobel disaster which still affects people today.

There are now grants from governments for the installation of Solar and wind power systems. However in some parts of the UK grants for solar power systems to generate electricity have already run out. Fortunately there is a solution, homemade solar and wind power systems can be built by anyone at home for a few hundred dollars. A search of the internet reveals a number of Homemade solar and wind power kits. Some of these are well illustrated and a few even have instructional videos.

A homemade solar power system can be built to a professional standard for $200, and a homemade wind power system for $100. These systems will save up to 80% on electricity bills and can even eliminate them altogether if sufficient capacity is employed. Surplus electricity generated can then be sold back to the grid.

Homemade solar power systems consist of panels of Photovoltaic cells connected together to form modules which are linked to form an array. The number of panels you have will depend on the amount of electricity you wish to generate and the roof space available (solar panels are generally mounted on the roof). If you have a flat roof, then exposure to the sun is easier. If you have a pitched roof then depending on which way your home faces, you may need a panel or panels on both sides.

The sun is the most powerful natural source of energy we have. When light strikes Photovoltaic cells, which consist of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material usually silicon, it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. Photovoltaic cells only require daylight to generate electricity, but the greater the intensity of light the greater the flow of electricity.

Homemade wind power systems harness the power of the wind to turn the blades of a windmill or wind turbine to generate electricity. Wind speed increases with height and so wind turbines are mounted on a mast. The mast can be put on the roof of the house or a tall mast can be erected away from the house and any trees of other buildings to gain maximum exposure to the wind.

Homemade wind power systems generate direct current (DC). Off-grid systems require battery storage and an inverter to convert DC electricity into alternating current (AC). A controller is also required to ensure that the batteries are not over or under charged. It makes sense to build both Residential solar and wind power systems.

Learn how to make your own Electricity:
Click Here!