As discussed in our wind energy article, switching over to wind energy grants numerous benefits. However, there are many things one should consider before determining which wind turbine is the most appropriate for his needs. Ideally, one could buy a wind turbine system which can be set up and would require very little maintenance for a long period of time.
There following are attributes that need to be considered:
Power requirements: it is important to evaluate your house’s power requirements. Generally speaking, the bigger the blades, the greater the power they generate. While smaller turbines require less space (and may be more appropriate for people with less land to use), they are not as efficient as the larger ones and also require constant maintenance. If you live in a small place and have modest energy requirements, getting a large wind turbine – even if it is a good option in other respects – may not be ideal for you.
Average wind speeds in your area: the power that a wind turbine can potentially generate directly depends on wind speeds in the area it will be placed in. Before buying a wind turbine, go to the US Department of Energy’s website and look for the ‘Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’ section which provides information on wind availability for various regions of the country. If you reside in an area with weak winds, then a wind turbine may not be suitable for your needs.
Quality: Since wind turbines can potentially be used for a long, long time, it is essential that the one that is picked requires as little repair and maintenance as possible. Thus, getting a high quality product may be expensive in the short term but not in the long term.
Manufacturer warranty: as stated, since wind turbines can be potentially used for a lifetime, it is important to pick one that has a long warranty. Furthermore, when a manufacturer offers warranty for a long period of time, it often means that it is highly confident of the quality of its product.
Brand name: as is always the case when purchasing a product, certain brand names are known to be good unlike product names no one has heard of. Therefore, it is a good idea to go through product reviews. These can be found on various forum sites, internet shops, and DIY websites. Of course, consulting a specialist can’t hurt either and may be the best thing to do considering the investment.
Advice from people who have gone through the process: nothing beats experience, and so asking the advice of people who have installed or used wind turbines can be invaluable. Forum websites can enable you to contact people whom have gone through the process. Even the best products may have issues, and no one would be more qualified to give an advice than a person who has tried to use a product – for better or worse.
Setup costs: these include wiring, structural modification to your land or roof and other fittings. This normally uses up to 10-40% of the budget, so clearly is an important consideration.
Residential usage: some wind turbines are simply too big for usage in individuals’ homes. Naturally you should only consider those that can actually be used.
In our next article, we will survey various types of wind turbines and who may benefit the most from them.
(2) Save Gas, Save the Planet (an eBook which costs $9.95): This book offers advice on how people can save thousands of dollars, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy a better life, as well as teach the reader about new cars including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and new cars with great mileage.
As discussed in our solar energy article, switching over to solar power bestows a lot of advantages. However, there are so many types of solar panels it is difficult to decide which one is the most appropriate for your needs.
So how does one select the most appropriate solar panel for his personal and family needs?
As said, there are numerous configurations and types of solar panels available today. It takes a great deal of knowledge to identify the right one for installation in your home and that would be perfect for your needs.
The first step is to call a reputable solar company to evaluate the amount of power used in your home and determine whether a solar panel system is actually suitable for your needs. Some companies will send a specialist to do a solar evaluation for free. The following video demonstrates what to expect from such an evaluation.
After determining whether solar power is suitable for you – (after all, it is possible that from one reason or another, solar panels might not be appropriate for you), you should research the leading companies that supply these panel systems. Check out Solar Panel section for a decent selection.
There are several types of solar panels: solar roof tiles, solar patio covers, roof mounted solar panels and ground mounted solar panels:
Solar roof tiles are placed over your existing roof tiles and expertly made to interlock with them. These tiles are aesthetic and tastefully designed and tend to look very sleek. They come in different sizes and shapes and provide a much more sophisticated look than the traditional roof mounted systems. Both the installation and the solar roof tile materials are expensive. If you can afford it, this is one of the best solar panels which not only makes your house more aesthetic, but is also highly efficient in solving your energy problems.
Roof mounted solar panels also come in various styles. These are the most popular variety of solar panels as they are highly functional and versatile in comparison to the other types. These types of panels are placed on a frame which is fixed onto your roof. As a result, they do not require any major alterations to the roof. Moreover, they also protect your roof from the harsh weather elements thereby extending its life.
Solar patio covers. These are the smallest type of solar panels. Solar patio covers are placed on the garden patio and are practically invisible. They serve two purposes: they provide shade in addition to supplying energy. If your home does not have a roof, then this is might be the ideal solar panel for you.
Ground mounted solar panel system. This type of of solar panel is ideal if you have a lot of land space around your home that is unusable or unproductive. These are large scale systems and are usually stationary. They can also be motorized (to move in the direction of the sun) in order to ensure efficiency enhancement by at least 39%. You can opt for ground mounted solar panel systems that can be placed on ballasts. This system generates the largest amount of energy output and efficiency.
Again, although these guidelines can certainly help you make a decision, asking for the advice of an expert will certainly help you decide which of the above solar panels is the most appropriate one for you.
In conclusion, going for a solar panel offers not only efficient and free energy, but is also good for the environment. Whether you decide to install your own solar panels or call in for an expert, you will certainly benefit from this decision. In case you’re considering installing the panels yourself, here is a video that will give you a taste of what to expect in a solar panel installation.
This provides an excellent hands-on explanation on how solar panels can be installed. Note that if you have any doubt as to how this should be done, the best thing to do is to consult a professional. Safety comes first!
