With every great invention comes great responsibility. Wind turbines are no exemption to this. Even this magnificent and helpful technology has its own pros and cons that we all should be aware of. Wind turbines pros and cons are one of the many ongoing debates in the field of science and technology over the years. Many have weighed the benefits it gives while, at the same time, folks on the other side of the debate note the liabilities it may cause to the owners and to the general public. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of wind turbines.

First, we discuss its pros. There’s no doubt that wind turbines can reliably supply electricity. Not only is it reliable, but it is also relatively cheap. According to several studies, the use of wind power can significantly trim your electric bill every month. Wind turbines do not consume water to work. This is advantageous to dry or drought-stricken areas. In contrast, nuclear power plants use large volumes of water to cool off their rods and for other purposes. Another thing is that wind turbines do not need fuel to operate. This fact itself gives us a clear picture of how economical this technology can get. This technology produces no waste or any greenhouse effect. It does not contribute to global warming. It does not contaminate the air. Its maintenance is low compared to other electric-producing technology like that of a nuclear power plant.

And, beneficial to local tourism, wind turbines and wind farms can even become tourist attractions. The combination of big rods and small ones, the adorable arrangement of the turbines, and its uniform movement attract local and foreign people. This contributes a lot to the region’s tourist economy. 

Now that we’ve gone over the pros of wind turbines, let’s take a look at its cons. Wind turbines rely solely on wind to be converted into mechanical energy. Yes, we know air is everywhere and free. But, the concern now is the predictability of the wind. Not all days in a year are windy enough to propel these wind turbines. With this problem, wind power should be supplemented by other forms of power to meet the demands at all times even if the wind is not blowing enough.  Adding another form of power means additional expense that need to be considered in the overall equation.

Wind turbines do not pose any danger on the environment, do not pollute the air, and do not contribute to global warming. However wind turbines can cause noise pollution. Some wind generators have a reputation for producing noise day and night.

Also, wind turbines are very visible and, therefore, can contribute to visual or horizon pollution. Most notably, this has led to an expression of NIMB (not in my back yard) syndrome in Nantucket.
Another potential problem is its effect on bird life. Though only few incidences have been recorded and attributed to the turbines, the effect of these wind turbines is much more on destroying the habitat of birds and other wildlife.

For many people, the advantages of wind power weigh heavier than its disadvantages. There has been a constant move by authorities and experts to embrace on the power of wind. How about you? What is your stand?

a do-it-yourself solar home

The promise of solar energy continues to excite people around the planet, and with good reason. More energy passes from the sun to earth every day than we could ever imagine using. Plus, this free energy has none of the problems associated with collecting and burning fossil fuels. It makes sense that DIY solar energy would appeal to anyone seeking energy independence.

Different people have different reasons for wanting to use solar energy. For some it’s because of an absolute commitment to the environment. They want to do everything they can to reduce their carbon footprint.

Others liked the independence they feel when they’re able to generate their own power and not rely on utility companies or large corporations to provide it.

There are also those who turn to solar energy and other renewable resources because they wish to live someplace where electric lines and other commercial sources of energy aren’t available. But If you don’t have to rely on access to utility lines, your options of where to live expand dramatically.

Of course there’s also the money-saving aspect. The payback time for solar energy system depends to some extent on how much you spend installing it.

One advantage of DIY solar is that the payback time is much shorter because the initial cost is less, sometimes much less. As an example, it’s possible to make your own photovoltaic solar panel for less than $200!

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Do It Yourself and Save

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Now, I mentioned photovoltaic solar but that is certainly not the only form of solar energy. I will tell you more about homemade solar panels in a moment, but a complete energy savings plan should take advantage of as many solar options as possible. Some of these options are completely free – which means immediate payback and money in your pocket.

Free Energy Clothes Drying

One instance of virtually free energy is using the sun to dry our clothes. In the past, this was the norm. It is now regaining popularity as evidenced by the resurgence of backyard clotheslines. It

My mom used to hang our clothes out to dry every day it wasn’t raining, even in winter ( if the temp wasn’t too far below freezing). She said she did it because she liked the way the clothes smelled after they’d been dried in fresh air. I suspect she also liked getting out in the backyard instead of hanging around in the basement where the dryer was.

Passive Solar Design

Designing homes so sunlight naturally lights and heats the dwelling is another very green approach. Unfortunately, most architects, developers and people building their own homes design the house without any consideration at all as to how the sun might affect its function.

Passive solar design strives to overcome this blind spot. The aim of passive solar is to capture light and heat from the sun without any active effort or use of specialized collectors.

In the northern hemisphere the sun is to the south, high in the sky in the summer and lower in the winter. This means windows on the south side of the house will get the most daylight. Therefore, it makes sense to design the house so the rooms that you spend most time in during the day are to the south. Most of the time it would make sense to put storage rooms or bedrooms on the south side.

Also, windows on the south side of the house let the sun help heat the home in the winter. In the summer, awnings, shades and/or appropriately placed deciduous trees will block the sunlight to keep the house from overheating.

Perhaps as important as anything else, a home designed with the daily in yearly rhythms of the sun in mind is simply a more comfortable place to live. For example, I love the sunlight streaming through the east facing window in my kitchen in the morning.

Solar Hot Water Heaters

Solar hot water heaters are a great project for do-it-yourselfer. In its simplest form, a solar hot water heater runs water through piping or tubing in a glass covered panel. The sun heats it as it passes through.

You know how hot a car parked in the sun with its windows up gets on a summer day? That same effect is at work in the glass covered panel. The heated water can be collected and stored in an insulated tank for later use.

In freezing climates, the water in the piping would freeze at night when the sun went down so people often choose to use an indirect system in which an antifreeze solution circulates through the solar panel and a heat exchanger is used to transfer the collected the two water inside the house.

The other option is to drain water from the system every time it’s below freezing and the sun isn’t shining. Honestly, I don’t think that’s very practical.

Solar hot water heaters are great project for a do-it-yourselfer. I highly recommend Solar Hot Water as a guide.

Solar Panels

This is probably what most people think of first when they think of solar energy. These panels harness the photovoltaic effect of sunlight acting on crystals to generate electric current.

You can spend thousands of dollars to purchase commercially produced panels, but it is possible to make them yourself for fraction of the cost. The basic skill required is being able to use a soldering iron. I’m confident anyone can learn that with a little practice, even if they had no previous experience.

Here’s a short video to give you an idea of what’s involved and how straightforward it is:

Green DIY Solar Video

(scroll down on the page a little to see the video)

The fact is that there’s no reason why we all shouldn’t be generating at least some of our own power from clean resources. I think starting with a small homemade system makes good sense. It lets you see what’s involved and gives you an idea of the cost-saving potential without having to make a large, upfront investment.

To be honest, commercially made candles will almost always produce more energy per square foot. But when you factor in the cost, homemade panels are real value.

I hope I’ve encouraged you to try to use as much solar energy, in all its various forms, as you can. Good luck, and live green.

Wind power is a renewable energy, making it perfect for home use. If you are astounded and pulling your hair out every time you receive your utility or electric bill, using wind power may spare you from hair loss. Nowadays, we frequently hear about alternative power sources such as wind power or solar polar. However, some of us ask ourselves, how is wind energy used?  Is it really practical? The fact is that some individuals or homeowners still do not realize the benefits of wind power, simply because they do not know how it really works.

Some people are still having doubts whether this renewable energy is really the best option, considering that setting up or installing commercially made wind turbines in homes can be quite costly. But with the advances of this technology, there are significant reductions when it comes to the costs of installing one at your home. In the process of answering the question of how to harness the energy of the wind, you can even find instructional guides online that can help you build your own homemade wind turbine. Making your own wind turbine is relatively cheaper than buying commercially made or pre-fabricated ones.

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Harness the Wind and Slash Your Energy Bills!

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Wind is absolutely free and highly sustainable, the only issue here is how you harness the power of the wind and convert it into electricity. This is where wind turbine generators come in. Wind energy is typically used as an alternative source to provide power to national networks, communities, homes, farms, as well as industries. Some basically use it to cope with costs through selling excess energy back to power companies or to power an area entirely. A homeowner, on the other hand, can use these very same methods on their own homes. An individual who uses wind energy for his or her home can sell excess energy to power companies. As a result, that person not only saved money on electric bills, he can earn extra income as well.

How is wind energy used depends on your situation. There are a number of different ways you can utilize wind energy. For instance, you can use wind energy to completely or partially go off the grid. If you go completely off grid, this means that your home is entirely self-sufficient. You will no longer depend on the national power grid to power your home. On the other hand, if your wind turbine is not that powerful, you can simply use it to heat or pump water for your home. Either way, you’ll be saving money at the same time that you use a green source of energy.

Making an energy efficient home design can be quite a challenge, especially among typical homeowners; but it is certainly well worth all the effort. Having an energy efficient home will not only save you money over time by keeping energy costs at a minimum, you will also be minimizing your carbon footprint which can be good for the environment. There are several tips you should consider when designing your dream home, and there are a number of ways to start using alternative energy as well.

Insulation – sufficient insulation is at the heart of an energy efficient home. Exterior walls, as well as basement walls, floors and even attics must be adequately insulated to maximize energy efficiency and consequently cut down on heating and cooling expenses.

Window Options – there a lot of energy saving windows available in the market today. These windows are actually becoming more and more popular as they are now more affordable. The number of windows as well as the type of windows you use in your home can significantly affect your heating and cooling costs during winter and the summer months.

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Energy Independence for Everyone?

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Positioning of Doors and Windows – the way you position your windows and doors can also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Doors and windows should be placed in a way that they can take full advantage of natural light during the day. In the north, this usually means having fewer windows on the north side of the home and more on the south. To disseminate direct sunlight, you can always use solar screens or widows that filter UV rays.

Storm Water Control – controlling where storm water goes can be a great advantage as it allows the homeowner to diminish runoff. You can even use the storm water for landscaping purposes. This way your water consumption will be significantly reduced and electricity consumed through electronic sprinkler systems is saved for other needs. A rain garden, a garden designed to trap rain water and let it soak into the ground, will prevent rainwater from becoming run-off and carrying contaminants .

Solar Panels – utilizing solar panels to power your home will most definitely help you in many ways, whether economically or environmentally. To depend entirely on solar energy will also allow you to partially or completely live off the national power grid.

Skylights – skylights that are well positioned will allow natural light to enter your home, which, in turn, reduces your dependency on artificial lighting, especially during the day. Artificial lighting should only be used at night.

There are a lot more energy efficient home design tips out there. The ones mentioned in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Incorporating these tips into your home design can be a productive move that lowers the carbon footprint of your home and let’s you save money as well.

To live off the grid is what many of us wish to do. To free ourselves from energy costs and be more energy independent is perhaps the ultimate homeowner’s dream. Living off the grid does not necessarily mean leading a life of solitude, it just basically means living in a home that is self sufficient when it comes to energy. It is not just about the money that you can save on electric bills or the positive effect that it will have on our environment. Living off the grid basically means having the aspiration to lead a simpler way of life.

The most common dilemma that a lot of people have when they consider cutting their connection to (or at least reducing their dependence on) the power grid. is the awful feeling that they might miss the things they love to do. The problem here is not that we will miss some of the comforts that most of us are used to; the problem is that we have become so attached to the convenience of being connected to a power grid, that we are starting believe that we cannot live without them. The fact of the matter is renewable energy does have its weaknesses and limitations. Some inconveniences are present. However, these disadvantages are nothing when you weigh it against the advantages.

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Pull the Plug and Live Off the Grid

Or Better Yet: Sell Your Extra Energy to the Grid!

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The technology to help us produce our own energy is here, and it can power our homes according to our needs. But, if you are accustomed to using a lot of energy, going off the grid can be quite expensive. it will at least be more of a challenge.

Although it may seem that to get your energy on your own will cost you a lot of money, the truth of the matter is, it is more like an investment. An off the grid living is almost a lifetime commitment. That is the only way you get the most of living off grid. You purchase the equipment that will provide you with enough energy that could last you a lifetime, blackouts or brown outs are no longer an issue, you are essentially free of the troubles that are associated with increasing costs of electricity and fossil fuels, you are basically free of the rising taxes, instead a significant reduction in taxes can be felt if you opt for an off grid lifestyle. Those lifetime benefits are surely worth every penny that you have invested.

When you don’t depend on utility companies, you protect yourself from all the negative issues that affect grid power. Remember the power outages and the rolling blackouts that thousands, if not millions, of people have had to endure? An off the grid lifestyle will free you from all of those problems. As long as the wind never stops blowing, or the sun is always shining, you will always have ample energy to power your home.

Although the thought of opting to live off the grid may seem difficult or even scary, there are things that one may do as well as learn that will make the transition relatively easier. Cutting down on the things that one may not necessarily need can lessen his or her dependence on grid power. Choosing to do this for oneself, instead of doing it for just the hell of it, may yield better results.

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Your Own Power and Get Off the Grid!

Water heating in any household takes a lot of energy, and it can cost you a lot on your utility bills. Talking about heating water while at the same time saving some money on electrical or gas bills may seem like a pipe dream. However, the best solar hot water system does just that – saves you money while providing plenty of hot water.  It is also environmentally friendly.

These types of systems can actually be used in any climate, and sunlight is completely free. Furthermore, a solar hot water heater is easy to install as well as maintain. The only real concern for any individual is the selection of the appropriate model that is perfectly suited to his or her household needs, while of course considering the climate of the region in which they live in.

The principle behind most solar hot water heaters is pretty straight forward. Have you ever left a hose out in the sun on a summer day and were surprised how hot the water was when you first turned it on? That’s a simple example of how the sun can heat water. Home solar water heaters use storage tanks and other design features to increase the volume of water heated and perhaps to connect the solar system to a conventional water heater but the principle is the same.

If you decide to use a solar water heater, you will have three basic options in doing so. First, you can hire a professional or a contractor to take care of the installation process. This is the simplest but most expensive option. If, on the other hand, you are on a tight budget, you can always go for a do-it-yourself solar water system. By doing a little research, you may be able to find a great solar  hot water heater you can make yourself. The only downside with this option is that you need good instructions and some of the guides out there are, to be kind about it, not so good. The folks at Green DIY Energy have an excellent instructional program that I can highly recommend.

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Let the Sun Heat Your Water

Click Here for Complete Instructions!

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Finally, the third option that you can maybe pick out is purchasing a pre-built or pre-fabricated do-it-yourself solar water system. Some of the best options are with pre-built DIY systems. This is option is great for individuals who may not have ample knowledge mechanically or electrically but are on a tight budget. Prefab systems are relatively easy to set up and significantly cheaper than a complete professional installation. This is also perfect for people who do not have time to make an entire do-it-yourself system.

Having said that, I think you’ll find that making a solar hot water heater yourself is very doable and the most affordable option.

One of the benefits in opting for a solar hot water system is a reduced energy or utility bill. We all know that heating water is a major catalyst in the consistent rise of our energy bills. Using a solar water heater, instead of the electric or gas powered water heaters can essentially reduce your power bill by fifty to ninety percent. For any individual or homeowner, that is obviously a huge relief, as you can save up to four hundred dollars a year on electric bills.

Another benefit in using the best solar hot water system is the fact that it is eco-friendly or environmentally friendly. With the rise of the green initiative, you are essentially doing your part to lessen your carbon footprint, while setting an example for others to follow.

If you look closely nowadays, more and more people are beginning to consider the benefits of investing in do it yourself wind turbines. The major cause behind this sudden rise of interest is that many of the countries around the world are becoming more aware about the shortage of availability of fossil fuel, which is our primary source of energy.

The inevitable rise of energy costs has forced us to find other means of acquiring energy. The responsible use of our natural resources, such as the wind, sun, and the power of the ocean and rivers, for sustainable energy is among the basic steps in attaining a clean and suitable environment for future generations.

The notion of the sun and the air as the two most basic solutions to our energy troubles is not new to most of us. We know that the sun, the wind, and the ocean and rivers can produce adequate energy to power the whole world; the problem is how to harness that power efficiently. What makes this aspect of nature the most crucial source of energy is the fact that these elements are basically all around the world. To construct a DIY wind turbine in any home, one would require at least three blades, a mounting system, a control panel, a generator, batteries, and, of course, a tower.

When building your very own wind turbine, you will have to create electricity through the means of a DC motor. Many engineers suggest going for a low RPM motor that can produce around twelve volts of electricity in 200 to 300 revolutions per minute when choosing the appropriate model. The blades that you will be needing in this type of project are constructed from plastic or metal pipes cut in half or half pipes, or even iron barrels. You will need to cut a blade in an appropriate shape from the barrels or pipes and attach them symmetrically along the front section of the motor.

When this phase of the project is done, you will need a wide thin metal made object to mount on the structure which faces towards the direction where the most air stream is present. This is quite essential in creating an effective home built wind turbine.

When constructing the tower, you will usually need it to be at least forty feet tall, just to clear it from obstacles such as tall or buildings. The height of the tower is crucial in catching the required wind speed to feed the generator, which has been designed to meet your home’s power needs. In addition, you will also have to make sure you put up the tower in a way that the motor can be easily placed right on top of the structure.

Once you have successfully stuck the tower into its foundation and have carefully attached the engine on top, you can now utilize the batteries for electricity storage. With this, you will have successfully built your first independent source of energy derived from the wind.

Many among us are fairly adventurous when it comes to finding new methods to be more eco-friendly and to save a few dollars in this uncertain economy of high oil and electricity costs. It’s about time for us, as responsible individuals, to learn how to build a solar hot water heater. Water heaters are where many of us can be unwittingly wasteful. Using a solar water heater will allow us to no longer depend on electricity or gas whenever we take out baths.

Commercially made solar water heaters are available in the market today. However, these can be quite expensive, as much as 2000 dollars, to be exact. Even at this price these can be a good value, but fortunately you have an option: to build a solar hot water heater yourself at a much lower price.

Among the things that many individuals fail to realize is the worth even a small solar water for other than household use. A portable solar water heater is actually a superb piece of equipment, especially when doing things like camping or staying in a remote cabin. The need to construct a large stationary unit no longer exists, but simply a small portable solar water heater will do the job perfectly.

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Hot Water from the Sun?

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Constructing a simple, stationary small solar water heater with a bare minimum of parts could be done in just a matter hours. Even though these types of homemade water heaters may not be quite as efficient as the commercially made water heaters, they are significantly cheaper to build and these solar water heaters can certainly do the task they are required to do.

If you put together a solar hot water heater, you will require a sturdy box, aluminum window panels, and copper piping where the water heating process will occur. The sturdy box must be enclosed with the glass and aluminum panels which will serve as solar panels. After making the heating box, you will then need to place copper pipes to heat the water.

Learning how to use solar energy to heat water has gained a lot of interest from both renewable energy specialists and typical homeowners. Many individuals have been trying to find ways to develop solar water heating systems, water heating systems that are economical and efficient. Today, there are various do-it-yourself instruction guides on how to create solar water heaters using simple basic materials. However, if you look closely, most of such materials are still quite hard to find.

When you have gathered all the needed materials, the construction process may be as short as three hours or as long as a few days. Some individuals may find the whole process of building a solar hot water heater quite complex. This is why some of them just go out and buy a commercially made one. However, if you are looking to have fun and get that sense of personal accomplishment, then maybe completing this type of project is perfect for you.

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Energy Sources For Off Grid Homes

Converting a typical household into one of those off grid homes has become quite a popular move over the years. This is due to the fact that utility bills continue to increase while the state of the economy is steadily on a downward spiral. Homes that depend less on power grids from electric companies tend to save more money on electric bills; that is just a fact. Homes such as these can be constructed to support various types of alternative energy sources.

Wind power and the sun’s rays are more than capable of providing us with the two basic source of energy. However, determining which these natural energy sources are perfect for your needs has a lot to do with your geographical location. If you live further up north, for example, you may experience less daylight, therefore, a wind powered turbine may work better for you.

Many among us still do not fully understand what going off grid means. The most comprehensible explanation of what this type of home is that it mainly operates without the use of the municipal utilities. This is the type of home where no check will be going out the electric companies. Instead, it may be the other way around, if you decide to sell your excess electricity to the power companies.

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Go Off Grid -

Completely Or Just part Way…

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A lot of homeowners, especially in sunny areas, opt to use home solar panels to provide energy for their home. Solar cells or panels are made from different materials that are capable of collecting energy from the sun and then divert that energy to be converted into electricity which is then stored in battery packs or used directly to power the home.

Another possible source of alternative power is wind turbines or windmills. This is a great alternative for producing energy in away from the grid. With the proper height and installation, wind turbines can be quite efficient in generating electricity. This technology is a reasonably basic system that is proven time and again throughout history. Nowadays, anyone with the right plans and know-how can make his very own homemade wind generator.

Let’s face it; electricity is an energy source that we need to take advantages of the wonders of today’s technology. Fortunately, there are other means of getting electricity and other forms of energy without relying on power plants.

For example, geothermal technology is becoming quite a popular method. Because at a specific depth the core temperature of the soil relatively stays unchanged all year long, you can attach coils underground to distribute warm air in the winter months and cool air in the summer.

Energy conservation is an essential aspect in off grid homes. Even though it is highly sustainable, you still have to use up that energy responsibly. For example, if the insulation of your home is well done, then it will consume less energy. If you are willing and determined, you can even use both home solar panels and wind turbines to produce adequate energy that you could possibly need.

People around the world have been looking for ways to keep their electricity bills as low as possible. One way of achieving this is by gaining control of the power of the wind through making a wind generator.

There are many guides available on the internet on how to make a wind generator. However, you need to first learn the basics so you can decide if a wind generator is indeed suitable for your location and budget. Considering the continuing rise of energy costs, learning about alternative power is well worth the time and effort.

The first thing that you should do is find a suitable location for the wind generator. For it to work properly, the wind turbine has to be at least thirty feet taller than any obstruction, like trees or tall buildings, within a four hundred foot radius.

The next thing you should do is determine the general wind direction in your location. Observe the patterns of cloud and weather movement; take note of the storms’ common directional movement. Better yet, you can always contact the local weather station or airport and ask for advice on typical wind directions in your area.

When positioning the batteries, make sure that it is close enough to the generator to increase its effectiveness. You should also think about using 24 or 48 Volt battery packs.

Purchase an anemometer to help you establish the wind speed at the wind generator site. This device is essential in ensuring that the wind generator is working to its capacity, as well as to determine when to shut it down during strong weather conditions.

Choose between a commercial or homemade generator. If you have appropriate funding, you can go for the commercially made generator. Be careful to choose the right amount of power depending on your household needs. If you are proficient mechanically or electrically, you should consider finding a homemade generator that will suit your needs, as you can save a lot of money if you make your own.

Find an adequate rotor to harness the wind’s power and convert it into usable energy. The rotor works by slowing the wind down while the generator collects the energy produced by the wind. Try to match the specifications to the type of tower you have. Consider the size, wind and power output.

Try to work out a system that can regulate power if and when the batteries are fully charged. Providing a special outlet for the build-up is essential to avoid wasting any excess energy. You can always opt for the usual method of turning on connected lights.

Due to many different variables, the task can be quite complicated. It is perhaps better, at least on your first project, to buy plans or ready-made designs where the exact scope of the wind generator has already been laid out for you. The best plans will even teach you where to get affordable parts and materials. It is, however, achievable to learn how to make a wind generator in a week, or less, for just a little amount of money.