Archive for December, 2009

Are Home Wind Generators Worth the Hype?

If you’ve been using a home wind generator for any length of time, you will respond to that question with an enthusiastic “absolutely yes!” or maybe an even more colorful affirmative answer. Is saving money worth the hype? Who would say “no” to that? Is being responsible with your use of the world’s non-renewable resources worth the hype? A Growing number of thousands of homeowners are using home wind generators for that very purpose! Is it great to have a backup source of power when storms or heat-related overload cause yet another power outage on the grid?


Endure a few days in a cold and dark home, or the sweltering summer heat without A/C and you’ll agree, too, having a quality home wind generator that can produce part or all of your home’s energy is a tremendous advantage. It is clean, it is green, and the cost savings are simply awesome. While no one knows how expensive electricity generated by fossil fuels may become, the wind is, and always will be, free of charge.

With outstanding technological advances in the last decade, home wind generators now make it possible to generate and store a significant amount of energy. For example, one home wind generator, even when wind speeds are not high, can generate enough power to run the lights in the average home. With more wind generators, and normal wind speeds, your goal of being less dependent on the unstable electrical grid and the unpredictable power companies can be within reach!

Bearing The Cost Of Solar Panels

The cost of solar panels can be quite large, and the installation can add even more expenses, so many people simply can not justify the price in advance, and then dare not make the change. Even if it is a serious investment, the installation of solar panels can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a month, not only in their electricity bills for a house, but some may not realize that, too.


As basic consumables and utilities such as food, electricity, gas and running water keep on costing more, you need to spend less wherever possible. This is a hurdle for many people who are considering installing a solar panel system; But as solar panels generate energy from a renewable source, once you have them start creating free electricity power for your house right away

This will reduce the electricity bill immediately, and perhaps even eliminate the bill. Some extra production of electricity, will even result in the power company will paying you regular cheques.

With electricity and heating costs down to zero it will be significantly easier to also also reduce the gas bill, so you need to consider this too when calculating the cost of solar panels. Free from the gas stove thanks to electric - and the same for gas water heaters? They both can be replaced by an electrical system. And as you continuously generate their electricity, you will not worry about a drastic increase in the electricity bill. Not only will you have eliminated a lot of your gas bill, but also your worries about further utility bill increases.

If you live in a hot area and use air conditioning in summer, this result in electricity bills that are just as high as in winter. Here again, you will offset the cost of solar panels by taking into account how much your own electricity production will reduce this expense.


There are some other benefits that come with having your own solar system, too. For instance, in the case of a downpour, your neighbors who are still paying for electricity are vulnerable to power outages, surges, and damage due to this. But you won't be, if you have installed a solar system.

Good solar panel systems are designed to store all the electricity generated by additional panels of high capacity deep cycle batteries. Most professional options in the design and installation of solar panel systems are configured to provide power for several days at a time without sunlight and should not be affected even through the worst of the storm and power outages.

By now you will certainly appreciate that it makes sense to accept the cost of solar panels and to get a system. People in your area will envy you and will ask you for advice on hoe to install solar panels, once they see how well your system works, and how much money you will save with it.

The Author runs makeasolarpanel.tumblr.com with comprehensive Cost Of Solar Panels information, and all the Make A Solar Panel advice and insights that you need.

Build Your Own or Buy a Mini Wind Turbine?

When homeowners have decided to take the important step to employ a mini wind turbine to create energy for their home and begin to free themselves from the grip of the power companies, the next decision involves what type of mini wind turbine to use.


Many of those switching to wind energy enjoy the challenge of building their own mini wind turbine. This is certainly possible, because everything required is readily available. DIY enthusiasts may purchase a quality set of specs and plans to build a unit from scratch. These guides are easy to follow, and will provide step by step advice and direction.

In addition, many sites sell all of the necessary components to build the mini wind turbine, from the blades and hub, to the body, motor, tail, stand, wiring, batteries, and everything else required. Not only do the guides give detailed assembly instructions, they will provide installation instructions as well as clear advice on where to install the mini wind turbine to best catch the wind and generate the most power.

Those who build their own mini wind turbine usually find it a satisfying and fulfilling experience, with a few moments of frustration thrown in, to make the final victory all the sweeter.

So, should you build your own? That’s a choice only you can make. If you have some skills, and are up to a fulfilling challenge, give it a try. However, many folks committed to making wind energy part of their energy mix don’t have the time or inclination to put together a unit that can be a bit complex. That’s okay, too. You have the choice of buying a mini wind turbine kit or a fully assembled mini wind turbine. The kits are easy to assemble and install, and fully assembled mini wind turbines come with clear instructions on how to install them on your home.

The Main Components of a Home Wind Generator

It is important to be familiar with the major components of a home wind generator, whether you are planning to build your own from a set of plans, put together a kit, or purchase a ready-made unit. Let’s start from the ground up, so to speak.


First of all, wiring and a battery function to relay the created energy to your storage. If the power your home wind generator makes is put to use immediately in your electrical system, a battery may not be part of the scheme.

Every home wind generator is mounted to either a stand – a durable mast that affixes to the house and gives stability, or a tower, if the unit is free-standing.

The front of the actual generator features blades and a hub. The blades, usually 3-5 in number, catch the wind and turn with its power. The blades are attached to the hub, which features bearings to allow for the smoothest possible rotation of the blades.

The hub and blades are mounted to the body, which stabilizes the whole unit, but also typically houses the motor. When some hear that a home wind generator has a motor, they think something is amiss. Why would a home wind generator be motor driven? It isn’t. The motor is what converts wind energy into usable power with sophisticated technology that is used in most forms of electrical power-generating turbines including a series of magnets.

Finally, the tail of the home wind generator is that which the wind moves, much like a weather vane, to keep the blades directed optimally, catching the most wind, for maximum conversion to the energy you need.

Mini Wind Turbines as a Backup Power Source


No matter what part of the country you live in, your region is susceptible to power outages. Snow and ice storms, high winds, and lightning often knock out power for a few hours up to a few days, or longer. In summer heat, overloads to the electrical grid have caused massive power failures. When they occur, it becomes a challenge to save the food in your fridge or freezer, and sometimes to carry on our normal life. If you or someone in your home has health needs requiring electrical equipment to treat, the outage is more than just inconvenient – it can be very dangerous.

Backup Power from a Mini Wind Turbine

These realities are increasing in a country with an electrical grid already that is already overloaded, and that is why significant and growing numbers of savvy homeowners are now using mini wind turbines as a backup source of power. They give you a readily available source of stored energy the instant the power goes out, and they continue to make energy for use and storage as long as you need it.

Homeowners who begin integrating mini wind turbines into their home “grid” as a way to save money on energy costs realize fantastic additional benefits in those times when electricity from the grid is unavailable. Losing a freezer full of food will cost the average family more than some mini wind turbines to purchase. That’s food for thought!