Solar Wind Power – Combining Two Technologies to Achieve Energy Independence

The power of the sun is responsible for producing solar energy and wind energy. Humans have been using solar and wind energy in some form since ancient times for illumination, warmth and power. It took modern man a long time to figure out how useful renewable energy is; it’s been quite a long and dirty road. Had we expanded the uses of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, think about how the world would be different. Fortunately, we have that opportunity now.

First Things First

You might choose solar energy or wind energy as your preferred renewable energy, but you could use them in combination to maximize your energy production and minimize your investment. Before you choose any solar wind power, minimizing your energy consumption is your single biggest opportunity for savings. A professional home energy audit will reduce your energy usage. The recommendations could save you thousands of dollars and give you insights into your best options for renewable energy. Taking this step saves you twice, in the short term you will see decreased energy bills and as your purchase your solar wind power, you will need to purchase less. Definitely a step worth taking.

The Solar Solution

Solar energy could be your total energy solution if you store your excess in batteries. Now you will have energy to draw upon at night. However, you may not be ready to go for a total energy solution, but want to supply a portion of your energy. That is possible with solar panels and net metering. You will still be connected to the electrical grid, but in the event you produce more than you need, you will receive a credit or your electric company will buy your excess energy.

Solar is a good option if you live in a sunny location and your heating and air conditioning costs are moderate. In areas where heating and AC costs are a significant portion of your electric expense, solar may not be able to supply all your electrical needs because of limited roof space and cost. Combining renewable energy technologies to provide all your electrical needs may be a better solution.

The Wind Solution

Wind energy is now efficient at wind speeds of 7-10 mph. The Small Wind Industry has been working hard to develop solutions for homeowners and they have been successful in eliminating many of the problems that face the Large Wind Industry. When choosing wind as an option, the most important consideration is the wind speed over your house. There are no wind charts that can provide you with this information; you need to measure this to make sure your situation has all the right elements. Your particular wind situation depends on the trees and large structures surrounding your home and changing the wind patterns. This will cost a few hundred dollars and a few months of measuring. Knowing the wind speed will help you make a better choice and one that results in the most efficient wind turbine output.

Teaming Up Solar and Wind

Combining solar and wind to supply your electrical needs may be your best option if your electrical usage is higher than either technology alone can affordably provide. Certainly evaluate each option separately first and then your options as your combine technologies. Your best option is to find an energy consultant that has experience combining solar and wind.

You have decided renewable energy is your next step. Your home energy audit provided you with lots of opportunities to save energy and your changes have resulted in reduced energy usage and costs. Now, take your time to evaluate solar wind power. Combining these technologies may provide you with all the electricity you need at a lower cost than either technology alone.

SOURCE: Solar Wind Power

To learn more about Solar Energy Advantages and Renewable Energy, go to http://www.solar-energy-advantages-blog.com/

Author: Rolando Zaspa
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You want to know the solar energy benefits or maybe the solar energy advantages? If we must be truthful to ourselves, then we all can concur that we are really facing an energy crisis as a matter of fact. It makes a whole lot of sense to consider the advantages of solar energy as a source of your electrical energy. In an attempt to make a wise decision, let us discuss what it requires to set up a solar energy home system.

Simply put, that the solar generator is a gadget that runs all your electrical appliances by making use of the solar energy. The gadget transform solar energy into electrical energy by making use of photovoltaic cells. This solar generator is as well called “the solar lighting system”. This gadget known as the solar generator stores electrical energy in cells for you to make use of it later. It is same as keeping water in a tank so that later you make use of it. Same thing goes with the solar generator.

Due to that no one of us remain unaffected by the global energy condition. A lot of folks now feel it is right time to become independent and not rely on exterior sources for our energy needs.

Below are the solar energy advantages/solar energy benefits

*It decreases your carbon footprint: Some folks fail to understand that solar energy power is one of the most environmentally pleasant ways to power your house. Also little does some folks understand that by making use of solar power is a big way to enhance the environmentally friendliness of your house and yet lead a modern life with all the conveniences. I can testify now that nearly everybody is searching for ways to go green and more energy efficient. To welcome alternative energy production methods, there are lots of reasons for that. By reducing our reliance on oil and coal as fuel sources is vital to the health and safety of our communities, our selves, our country and our families not to talk about our planet. So, alternative energy and heating technology is an essential step in this process. Hydroelectric, solar and wind and are all good options, but solar power is one that relies on an energy source that is easy to get by everybody.

*Very low in maintaining it: I want let you know that the best part of solar energy benefits is that the solar energy systems are easy to look after. Solar power does not involve high costs or too much effort, therefore letting you reap the benefits of the solution at ease.

*The cost: By installing a solar heating system in your house helps to lessen your electricity bill together with saving the world’s quickly-exhausting power. If you are thinking that a solar heating system will be a costly investment, then you need to think again because it is not so. It might interest you to know that companies providing solar power solutions for homes make it a point to fix aesthetically-pleasing heating systems in your home. Let me also tell you that investing in a solar heating system is a wise decision for the reason that you will get a return from your investment within three to four years, thereby giving you completely free service afterward. You can as well obtain DIY manuals that will help you out in learning how to build your own solar panels thereby reducing the cost even more. This is one of the benefits of solar energy.

*Expediency of storage: Since you can’t amass conventional power but you can amass solar power for later use. The sun’s energy comes to salvage even in the times of darkness. By storing it will as well ensures a 24×7 supply of power, consequently saving you from any power failure.

*You can reside at anywhere you want: Another advantages of solar energy is that you are no more restricted from living on the grid versus off the grid. Let’s say maybe living in a isolated vicinity is what you dream for, then by making use of solar energy makes that possible for you. Furthermore, you are as well not disturbed by power failures and the problem of not being able to make use of your electrical appliances.

Do you want to learn how to build solar panels and cut your energy bill by 80 percent or more? Look at this Earth4Energy Guide.

The Earth4Energy Manual is in fact the easiest guide out there. As you don’t need any expert knowledge. It will show you how to generate electricity from home. With this you will save 80-100% on your energy bills. If you generate more than that then you will be making profit as electricity companies will buy that energy back off you. Earth4Energy offers you an easy money saving solution to your energy needs and also makes you feel good by saving the planet and yourself.

So what do you think? Go to http://www.myearth-4energy.blogspot.com to learn more

Author: Philip Onyekachi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Buying Camera in US, Pick up at Canadian border

Solar energy technology has evolved over the years with the capability to get you completely off the grid even if you live in a housing tract. When you envision a solar-powered home do you see a cabin in the woods where the only energy you can get is from solar and wind, or do you see large, unattractive panels on roofs where people are constantly worrying about their electrical consumption. Do you envision not being able to enjoy the big-screen televisions, multiple refrigerators, or even living without air conditioning in a hot climate? These views on solar capabilities are much different today as the demand for solar energy has become vital in this economy. Getting off-the-grid is no longer only a dream, but is becoming a reality for residential and commercial properties.

Solar panel technology and know-how has developed more efficient and affordable systems you can install for your home. Even though the solar option is still more expensive to install than conventional power, with fuel and utility expenses rising, the demand for solar energy rising-and the industry is prepared to meet that demand. Many newly built homes are being constructed with a solar panel array on the roof that is less obtrusive than the huge panels of earlier times. The solar panels of today are much more efficient and can convert an abundant amount of energy with a smaller size than in the past. This makes them more inconspicuous and, although a solar array on a roof will still be seen, it will blend in substantially more with your building, actually looking very attractive and “modern”.

Generating solar electricity is really a new concept for some people. The “old” off-the-grid stereotype does not fit in the economy of today with its advanced technology. When you see houses with solar arrays on the roof today, these homes are often connected to conventional utilities also. By utilizing a mixture of traditional energy and solar energy, these homeowners are able to drastically slash their electricity costs and not sacrifice their lifestyle at all in the way they use electricity. It is highly likely that the homeowners of today can churn out a sufficient amount of solar energy to meet their needs and even have excess energy they can sell back to the utility companies for a change, rather than getting charged for the energy they consume.

Installing a solar array on your roof does not cost as much as many expect. Local and federal government is subsidizing the costs of installing solar panels for homes in many ways. There are at least 10 federal incentives you can get for installing renewable and efficient energy. Most federal programs contain tax credits, corporate and private exemptions and special loans and grants for residential home mortgages and renewable energy manufacturing. Most, if not all states offer incentives as well, including local rebates, property tax incentives, sales tax incentives, and many more. Some states even take care of up to 70 percent of installation costs. If you are thinking about installing solar panels for your home, here are a few facts you will need to know to help you in making the decision to go solar.

About Solar Panels for Homes

Solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, convert sunlight into electrical energy. Every solar panel is composed usually of a group of about 30-40 solar cells made with crystalline silicon or some other type of sun absorbing material. The materials they are made of are highly efficient at absorbing light. Each solar panel is simply a series of solar cells connected all together and encased in a shielding enclosure with a clear face to allow sun to enter and a solid backing. The entire panel is sealed to prevent moisture from degrading the panel.

The part of the solar cell the sunlight is absorbed into is considered to be electrically negative, and the bottom of each cell is considered to be electrically positive. When the sun is absorbed into the silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and travel from the top (electrically negative) to the bottom (electrically positive) layer. This sun-induced electrical energy is passed through the contacts in the top layer and is routed through the circuit array, producing electrical power.

Effectiveness of Solar Panels in Your Area

Solar panel systems can churn out sufficient electricity under optimal conditions to power all the lights and electrical appliances in a typical American home and even to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The efficiency of your solar panels really depends on your location. Solar panels are installed on whichever surface of your house gets the majority of solar exposure-in southern climates this is the north-facing side, and in northern climates it is the south-facing side.

If your residential home does not get an average of six hours of constant sunlight everyday throughout the year, you will not generate as much energy. Also, the sun shines stronger in some areas than in others. A home in less sunny areas will need more solar panels to produce the same energy as a home with less solar panel in a sunnier area.

Not enough sunlight?

Even if you do not get enough sun to generate electricity to satisfy all of your energy needs, you can still benefit greatly by installing solar panels for your home. The majority of modern homes with solar panels installed are not entirely off-the-grid. Many homes use both solar panels and conventional utilities. Doing it this way, they reduce the cost of their electricity consumption and depend less on the conventional power received from the utility company. They are not completely off-the-grid, but they can still conserve energy while continuing to make use of all the appliances they are accustomed to.

How much will Solar Panels cost?

If you do not go the “hybrid” route of being partly on the grid and supplementing your energy with solar, you should expect your installation to cost more. Getting completely off the grid generally costs about $12 to $15 per watt. This equates to $12K to $15K per kilowatt hour of energy you want to produce. Compared to upwards of $35K per mile the utility company would charge you to run electric lines to your location, solar energy is much more cost effective. If your home is in an isolated area where commercial electricity is not available, the only way to get electricity is to rely on solar energy. The cost of installing solar panels is far outweighed by the significant breaks in your electric bill as a result. Even so, it will take a few years to realize a return on your investment and less time if you are able to sell excess energy back to the utility company.

Solar panels are a fantastic way to save on energy and resources. Combining solar power with wind turbines and other alternative energy sources can make you totally self-sufficient. To be successful in reaping the benefits of alternative energy, you should be sure to do all you can to make your home energy-efficient by installing things like Energy Star appliances, efficient light bulbs, efficient cooling and heating systems and other efficient appliances. In addition, separate dedicated energy systems can be used such as solar and geothermal water heating systems for your pool and/or bath, using portable solar panel systems for areas where you do not need electricity all the time and, generally, just learning about your energy consumption habits to insure your home is energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Jimmie Sypolt is an expert author and owner of The Solar Energy Review. Find out more about Solar Panels for Homes [http://thesolarenergyreview.com] at The Solar Energy Review.

Author: Jimmie Sypolt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The power of the wind is everywhere but harnessing it as wind energy is still not that common. The wind power system has still not become a regular power system, but it is a system that is becoming more acceptable as a source of energy and used more frequently.

What is so important about wind power?

These days our demand for energy frequently exceeds our current supplies and this situation will only get worse, so making wind power as a source of energy makes more sense for future use. The usual ways of making power are from non-renewable sources, which are dwindling, and these ways also have adverse effects on the environment by raising pollution levels. There are distinct advantages using power from the wind and some of these are:

• Free Energy – Wind energy is continuous and free. By converting this energy, the initial cost of set up is recouped very quickly and then the energy produced is free. This means that non-renewable sources can be made to last longer.

• Environmentally Green – Wind energy does not produce any negative effects on the environment in that there is no pollution producing effects or any other damaging effects on the environment.