Alternative Energy – Solar & Wind Power

Sunlight and the wind are free, so why spend so much on energy bills every year? With rising fuel prices, depleting natural resources and a precariously posed environment it is important for us to start thinking in terms of alternate and renewable energy sources. Both solar and wind power have become highly viable options over the past few years. They are eco-friendly, will last forever, are not taxed as yet and will definitely reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Solar Power
The sun’s energy can be collected and exploited in two ways. One is to use flat plate collectors under which loops of tubes are coiled. Water or antifreeze solution is passed through these tubes. The radiation from the sun heats up the liquid in the coils which in turn is either used immediately or sent to an insulated storage tank. This kind of solar power is great to heat rooms, swimming pools and water. The second system uses photovoltaic cells which are made of thin layers of silicon, a semi-conducting material which converts the sun’s energy into electricity.

Residential solar-power systems can be either grid tied or independent. In the first case you will receive a negligible bill every month, but still have the option of using traditional power. The best part of being attached to the grid is that any excess energy your home produces can be sold back to the company. An independent solar system is connected to a set of batteries which provide back-up power. Although independent systems can be connected to the main grid too, they are perfect for isolated cabins and boats.

Ideally solar panels should be affixed to a south-facing roof or wall with no obstructions like buildings or trees. These panels can be heavy so make sure the roof is strong enough.

Using solar energy is a sensible option in terms of long term financial gains and the environmental advantages are endless. Systems are becoming smaller, efficient and cheaper everyday. With little or no maintenance, a residential solar system will easily last forty years. The disadvantages like installation costs, location, the use of cadmium in the solar panels and lead in batteries are being addressed continuously to make the systems as sustainable as possible. And if you plan to sell your home, a solar power system adds considerable value to your property.

Wind Power
Residential wind turbines, ‘small wind’ or ‘micro wind’ can be another cost-effective method of becoming self-sufficient in terms of energy needs. Wind power has been in use for hundreds of years but the fossil fuel mania has pushed this sustainable and unlimited energy resource to the background. But in recent years wind power has become the fastest growing energy source in the world.

The essential component of a wind energy system is a windmill which is a set of blades fixed to a tower. Wind speeds increase with height so the taller the tower the better its performance. Windmills convert kinetic energy into electricity which can either be stored in batteries or connected to the grid, similar to a solar system. A special inverter converts the DC current to AC current. Since wind speed is essential for this sort of application, the system will not work if speeds are below 7 to 10 miles an hour. Local data on wind speed should be assessed before making any investment. A typical home will need a turbine which produces electricity in the range of 5 to 10 kilowatts.

Windmills can be roof or mast mounted. Although the latter is more expensive, it is also more efficient. In comparison to photovoltaic cells, wind power is cheaper to install but payback periods are longer. Wind power in a proper location will definitely reduce electricity bills by 50 to 90 percent for almost 9 months of the year. In addition, windmills require less maintenance than other non-renewable energy options available, and dealers offer ready-to-use systems with comprehensive support.

Last but not the least; a well-installed small wind system in a single home will lighten the Earth of 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases over its lifetime.