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Submitted by: Ryan Wiley
With fossil fuels dwindling and electricity rates spiking, many people have become curious about energy self-sufficiency. You may be interested as well, but before you begin to generate your own energy you must understand your energy making alternatives. The two most practical do-it-yourself options for generating electricity at home are solar and wind. This article will look at these two renewable energy systems from a DIY point of view, focusing on the construction, usability, and reliability of each one.
Constructing Your Power Source
Building a wind turbine or an array of solar panels is definitely something that an average homeowner can do. You have two constructing options. The first, and easiest, option is to purchase a wind turbine or solar panel kit. With these kits, both undertakings become hassle-free assembly jobs. You do not need to fabricate anything, nor do you need to purchase any extra parts. Neither project will be particularly challenging, and you will be able to complete whichever one you select in a day or two.
The next option is to invest in a set of plans that walk you through the steps involved in building a power source on your own. For those who select this option, you’ll have some shopping to do, and shopping for solar cells is much less difficult compared to shopping for wind turbine motors. You will almost certainly be purchasing brand new cells, and you can’t really make a mistake with whichever ones you buy, within reason.
Shopping for the right wind turbine motor, on the other hand, is more challenging. This is because you must have some knowledge about what types of motors work best for wind generators. For example, you will need a motor that generates high output at low RPMs. Also, some brands of motors, like Ametek, work much better when compared to others for this unique kind of project. Additionally, you’ll most likely be getting a used motor, out of an old treadmill, for example, which adds a certain degree of difficulty and uncertainty to your venture. Building a wind turbine is still very doable, however. You simply have a little more research to do prior to assembly.
Solar panels are not really customizable. They are basically just rectangular structures with solar cells mounted on them. Wind generators, in contrast, can be quite customized. For instance, those who take pleasure in shaping wood oftentimes craft their own custom blades, many of which are incredibly artistic and time consuming to fabricate. People who enjoy metalworking sometimes experiment with various gearing ratios and flywheel mounting options. Of course, you don’t have to do any of those things. You can just buy new or used components that are designed to work together–it’s up to you.
Power Source Functionality
Solar panels supply a more consistent and dependable supply of power than wind generators. This is because the sun rises and sets each day, without exception. On cloudy days there may be slightly less useable solar energy to harness, but it is still there for your taking. Wind, on the other hand, is not always present, and, even when it is around, the usable energy it brings with it can vary greatly, from way too much to almost none at all. That is not to say that wind is not a good source of power, though. You just have to be in the proper place to take advantage of its benefits, while the energy of the sun can be harnessed from just about anywhere.
Power System Reliability
Solar panels are usually more dependable than wind generators. This is primarily due to the fact that solar panels don’t have any moving parts, which means they are rarely in need of repair or maintenance. Wind turbines, on the other hand, have electric motors and gearing systems that are continuously spinning, making them far more prone to damage caused by wear and tear. In addition, wind generator blades are under the constant force of the wind, which, over time, can cause them to weaken and break. While solar panels are generally more reliable than wind generators, it should be noted that both are dependable, and a correctly built wind generator can last for many years without damage or disappointment.
Which DIY energy system is best for you?
Which system is best for you depends on two things, your interests and your location. If you are not in a suitable setting for a wind turbine then the answer is apparent, a solar system is best in your case. Aside from that, it simply depends on which power source, and project, you think is more interesting; some are fascinated by wind generators, while others like the simplicity of solar panel systems. Remember, also, that solar panels and wind generators function exceptionally well together, so, if you like, you can complete both projects and, eventually, have a power producing system that’s capable of functioning around the clock and in just about all weather conditions.
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