Taking a break

Hi,

I am taking a break while I pursue other things. Thanks for reading.

Using Wind Turbines to Power Your Home

The first thing to look at, before you ever consider converting to wind power, is the area where you live. A windmill solution obviously requires wind. More specifically you want wind speeds that exceed 8MPH on average. Even 8MPH is considered a low-wind-speed area for wind turbines. 12MPH average is ideal.

To start, take the time to look at the wind speed charts that fit your area:

 

 If You Live in the USA:  http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/wndspd.txt

If You Live in Canada: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/CN/WindSpeed.html

If You Live in the UK or Europe: http://www.xcweather.co.uk/         

If you live in Australia: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/AU/WindSpeed.html

Assuming that the average wind speed in your area is above 8MPH, then continue on to the other considerations listed below. If you don’t live in a suitable area, then you should consider a solar power conversion instead.

Convert Your Home Today:

Wind Turbine Considerations

Once you’ve determined that wind power is suitable for your area there are a few other things you need to consider.  Really this is just about asking some questions and then answering them. Taking the time to do so will ensure you choose a wind power system that fits. Especially if you are planning to live off the grid, you should take the time to answer these questions before you start.

Your Power Needs

The first thing that needs to be considered is your power needs. Are you simply looking to reduce your power bill with a single small windmill? Or, will you want to power your entire home?

If you’re looking to power your whole home, you should take the time to calculate your actual power requirements. If you take the time to download Earth 4 Energy, their guide comes with a calculator and instructions on how to do this (you’ll need this guide anyway).

Storing Power from Wind Turbines

From the answer to your first question you then need to consider building a storage system for your wind turbine. A simple array of batteries can be designed to store as little or as much power as needed.

If you’re only building a small wind power solution to reduce your power bills then this is likely less of a concern.

On the other hand if you’re looking to live off the grid, you will need to consider energy storage. You should use your calculation for your power needs to design this part of your system. Take into consideration how much power you will need to store and for how long.

If you have weeks where there is less wind than usual, ensure that you have a large enough battery array to compensate (or better yet work to reduce you energy needs by using high efficiency bulbs and appliances).

Having a Backup Plan

Finally, for those who plan to live entirely off the grid, you should consider your backup plan. For most of us consistent power is a requirement. Ensure that you design your wind turbine solution with a backup plan. Generally a small gas generator is enough to ensure you have power if something goes wrong. 

For more information Click Here

Windmill Blades – Make them or Buy Them?

So you’ve decided to build your own windmill. Possibly you took the right steps and purchased one of the top guides that teach the subject. Or maybe you’re more daring and trying to do it without professionally written instruction. In either case one area where many people get stuck is when it comes time to create their windmill blades.

Really when you get to this step you have two separate options:

   1. Build them yourself – Obviously this is the least expensive route

   2. Buy Premade Windmill Blades – Costs more but is a lot less work

From that I wanted to take some time to talk about the advantages/disadvantages of going either way. In reality if you put a value to your time, by the time you finish building the wind turbine blades yourself, the cost is close to equal. On the other hand, if you’re cheap like me, it might be that you’d rather do it yourself and save the money. In either case there are advantages to going either way.

Buying Your Windmill Blades

First let’s cover the advantages of buying your blades. In this case they are really quite obvious.

   1. The blades are professionally made

   2. More varieties of materials you can buy your blades in

   3. Less concern about getting the correct shape to catch the wind.

Of course there are also disadvantages to buying windmill blades instead of making them yourself. First, it becomes more difficult to tailor your blades to the generator you selected/created for your DIY windmill. And then, of course, there is the cost involved.

Machined blades can run you as much as $1,000 or more. To offset that cost, you may want to check eBay. Often you can find premade blades there, in diameters of 4’ to 6’, for around $100.

Making Your Own Windmill Blades

While there are advantages to buying your windmill blades, there are also some big advantages to building them yourself.

   1. The blades are created with your actual windmill design in mind.

   2. You save your money, and your home power system will cost less.

   3. You get to choose the style of turbine blade to fit your area. Especially in low wind speed areas, this is important.

   4. You get the satisfaction of telling everyone – you did it!

If you do choose to build your own windmill blades, I suggest you take the time to learn about the top three wind power conversion guides. With our top pick specifically, they recently added a video that teaches that exact topic.

In any case, be sure to take the time to design your blades to fit your application. Taking the time to do so will ensure your wind mill operates trouble-free for years to come!

For more information Click Here

Items needed to install a Solar Energy Electric Power System (My short list.)

I have compiled a short list of items someone would need to install a solar energy power system. I thought it might be useful for those of us investigating switching to solar power.

1.       A location on the property where solar panels can be installed away from any obstructions or large pets which can damage solar panels.

You will want to choose a location which will get the maximum sunlight exposure and plan to install the panels facing in the direction of the equator. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)This area should not have any shade during any time of the day.

2.       Solar Panels – enough to meet or exceed your energy needs.

Using the Solar Calculator (link provided) on this site will help you determine how much electricity you need to generate to get off the grid or significantly reduce your electric bill.

Using this information, you can calculate how many panels are needed depending upon which panels you choose to install.

3.       Framework to hold the Panels.  – If the panels are installed on a roof using standard construction methods, use a qualified roofing contractor to build the framework for the panels so as not to compromise the integrity of the roof.  Framework for solar panels do not have to be installed on the roof.

Note: e-How suggests to use a map or GPS to determine your latitude above or below the equator and add 15 degrees for your winter solar panel angle and subtract 15 degrees for your summer solar panel angle. (Hessong 2010)

There are three types of mounts for a solar panel system:

                Flush Mounts – these are typically installed upon RV’s or motor homes and should be installed 2 – 4 inches above the surface to allow airflow around the solar panel to prevent the panel from getting overheated. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

                Universal Mounts – these mounts can be installed either on rooftops or on the ground. While they are meant for larger solar panel systems, some city ordinances my not permit you to use this type of mount because of aesthetic reasons. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

                Pole Mounts – these mounts are installed using racks and poles and can be easily constructed on your own. The pole is generally set in the ground with cement to support the weight of the pole and the solar panel with the mount. Poles are usually 2 – 4 inches in diameter with a sleeve or way to attach the framework and panel to the pole. Poles may be set higher allowing panels to be kept up and away from small animals. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

4.       Wiring to wire the solar panel system to your home – This wiring must meet the current electrical codes, check with your electrician or have your electrician wire your system for you.

It should be noted here that it is possible to wire a solar panel system yourself if you are handy and educated in such matters.

I personally recommend an electrician to avoid any costly mistakes. A certified electrician is aware of the proper methods for attaching an electrical system or grid into the public utility meter.  

5.       A Power Inverter to convert the energy harvested into usable electricity for your home. A good inverter will also allow you to switch to the public utility when your solar panel system is down for maintenance.  Or, vise-versa, to stop your solar panel system from feeding the public utility if the utility has a power outage. It should also enable you to sell any excess power back to the public utility.

Solarpanelinfo.com recommends the True Sine wave inverters because they work better when motors are involved such as those found in a water pump. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)

Optional item

6.       A meter which allows you to track how much electricity your solar panel system is generating.

References:

Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Solar panel installation, article, solarpanelinfo.com,  http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/installation, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Hessong, Athena, (2010, May 6). How to calculate solar panel angle, article, eHow.com,  http://www.ehow.com/how_6053185_calculate-solar-panel-angle.html, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Mounts (Solar Panel Accessories), article, solarpanelinfo.com,  http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar-panels/accessories/mounts, last accessed October 27, 2010.

Renee’s suggested solar panel system maintenance schedule should include:

1.       Clean the solar panels to help maintain maximum power generation.

Dust, particles and debris can collect on solar panels diminishing power production over time.

2.       Periodic inspection of the solar panel system to ensure continued optimal operation.

Having seen effective maintenance and prevention techniques in motion, many costly issues have been avoided by doing a periodic inspection of any given system, whether it is a heating, cooling or electrical system. A good maintenance and inspection procedure may prevent headaches in the long run.

a.       Ensure the area above and around the area of the solar panels remains free from obstructing sunlight.

b.      Ensure that the panels themselves are not damaged in anyway.

c.       Clear any debris from the mounting frames, including leaves, bird nests, branches and so-forth.

d.      Look at all connections to be sure that there are no broken, brittle or dry rotting issues that will need replacing and make repairs as needed.

 The current guaranteed life of a solar panel is currently 25 – 30 years, by performing periodic maintenance and inspection you will ensure that your power system will perform optimally during the life of the system.

On the edge of the energy revolution

As the fog lifts, farms begin to appear like ghosts upon the horizon in the early morning. The grass is soaked with dew and my feet are feeling the cold wetness of it all. As I watch the fog melt away, I think about all of the possibilities of alternative electricity.

Reflecting upon last night’s Home Makeover edition, where the famous remodelers/rebuilders build new homes in a week, I wasn’t surprised when they included solar panels and a windmill claiming that the two items would cut electricity costs by 90%.

Solar energy is becoming the favorite in replacing conventional methods of producing electricity. The Chinese based Wanxiang Corporation has opened a manufacturing plant in Rockford Illinois to produce Solar Panels, bringing accessibility of alternative energy closer to the local market.

Upon further investigation, one would find that Wanxiang also produces several types of LED Lighting as well. The impressive list of lighting options pricks my curiosity as to what market this company is focused upon.

To my disappointment, it appears Wanxiang is producing for commercial customers. Again, big business is the preferred market approached with alternative energy options indicating the expense currently involved in installing green energy.

Feeling a little discouraged but more determined to locate simple electricity options, my search is on. I do wonder, however, when these lighting options will become available in the local market.

I believe we are on the very edge of an energy revolution that hasn’t fully entered the consumer market. What do you think?

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree, how much can I save this year?

Christmas Items compete with Halloween Items on the store shelves and everyone’s mood seems to be a little lighter. It’s the gracious spirit of the season welcoming us with bright colored packages and excited children.

Though many of us haven’t given it a second thought, I wondered whether the “Green Energy” idea has trickled down into Christmas lighting. If you haven’t yet looked, do so. It has. I found some of the lighting actually nice compared to the standard light strings.

Looking forward to saving some green, I decided to see how much lighting the tree really costs. I also decided to get an idea of how much I spent last year using Christmas Lights.

When I took into account the use of our furnace and regular electricity usage I found that we actually spent just over $200.00 last year lighting the tree and other holiday lights. Whew! . . . Who would have thought that spreading Christmas Cheer would cost that much!

Lighting a tree with the standard light string can cost between $54.00 - $73.00 a month not counting the other decorations you may place outdoors or around the rest of the home.

As you can see from the chart below, going green can pay for itself the first year allowing you to pocket the extra savings during the remaining life of the light strings.

The cost of a replacement string ranges from $7.99 - $8.99, depending on whether you purchase Energy Star or not.

When comparing the cost of upgrading to “Green” Christmas Lights with the conventional lighting I have used in the past, I will definitely be upgrading this year.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, it pays to go green this year.