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Through shifting air currents and weather patterns, Earth provides a constant supply of wind power and Germany is no stranger to utilizing this renewable energy source. Germany is second worldwide only to the United States in electricity produced from wind power, and held the top spot until 2007. With over 19,000 wind turbines already installed across the country, Germany is a forerunner in the industry and plans to continue the expansion of wind farms nationwide.

Germany passed the Renewable Energy Sources Act in 2000, with primitive versions of these laws in existence as early as 1991. The act provides grid connection and distribution priority to electricity produced from renewable energy. Companies that operate the grid are required to use this electricity and purchase it at the minimum price in their locality. Wind power tariffs are in place under the Renewable Energy Sources Act, with a lifespan of 5 to 20 years. Locations that yield a higher amount of wind-powered electricity carry the tariff for a shorter time than those that do not yield as much.

There is concern, however, about the effect wind farms will have on the landscape, in turn affecting the tourist industry. Offshore turbines are ideal for capturing the renewable energy of wind power and they also offer a higher electricity yield than those on land. Wind is more consistent offshore and the speed is 70 to 100% faster than terrestrial wind. Though the technology required to install turbines in the water is more expensive, new developments have made construction cheaper.

On July 15th, 2009, construction finished on the first of twelve wind turbines in the Alpha Ventus wind farm located in the North Sea. Operating 45 km off of the coast, there is no conflict with the tourist industry and the beautiful German landscape is untouched. Not only does Alpha Ventus alleviate any problems associated with turbines dotting the land, it provides a test by which to detect any problems that may be encountered with wind power that far out to sea. The North Sea is known for its harsh wind conditions, thus providing a challenge for the construction and operation of the Alpha Ventus wind farm, but also providing incredible electricity production potential.

Germany has set 2020 as the target year in which at least 25% of the electricity produced in the country will be by means of wind power. At the current rate of turbine installation, this is a distinct possibility.

Author: Robert Deckard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

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Energy conservation is something we should all keep in mind before learning how to build a solar panel from scratch. It is cheaper to conserve the energy we are currently using, than trying to build a solar panel to make up for any over consumption. We can start saving money today by turning off the lights when we leave a room and unplugging any appliances from the outlets when not in use.

The next step in learning how to build a solar panel from scratch is to determine the energy you use. The average household uses 1KW or 1000 watts of power to run small appliances such as DVD players, microwave ovens, and lights. You can eliminate the cost of running those appliances by producing 1 KW of power by building a solar panel. One solar panel will generate about 100 watts of electricity. You can figure out how much energy you will need by looking at your electric bill and finding out how much energy you used in the previous month.

In building a solar panel from scratch, you will also need to learn about the following components:

- Array DC Disconnect: This is an important maintenance element of any solar panel system. This makes shutting off power from the solar panels easy and safe.

- Charge Controller: Utilizing a charge controller will help in improving the life and charge of your battery system (if you use one). This protects the batteries from being overcharged.

- Deep Cycle Battery: This is the best and safest battery to use with your solar panels. It will store the energy produced by the solar panels.

-Inverter: This is an integral part of any alternative energy system. This unit converts the DC energy provided by your solar panels and converts it into alternating current or AC current. If you wish to operate a DC appliance, then you will purchase a DC input from an auto parts store.

-Generator: This is not a necessary element for all solar energy systems, but it is beneficial for “off-grid” systems. Generators are used as a “back-up” source of power on days when there is not enough sunlight to produce electricity.

These materials are also needed to build a solar panel from scratch:

Solar Cells – You will attach these cells together and secure them on the panel.

Plywood or Masonite Board – This will be your panel that you secure the solar cell to.

UV protector – If you use plywood for your panel this will be used to coat the plywood to protect it from the weather.

Plexi-Glass – Used for the cover of the panel.

Tin Wire – Used in two different thicknesses to solder the cells together.

Silicone – Used to adhere the cells to the panel.

Solder, Solder Iron or Gun – Used to attach wire to cells.

Rosin Flux Pen – Used to prepare the cells to make soldering easier.

Nuts and Bolts – Used to attach frame to panel

Wood or Metal – Used as a frame.

Junction Box and Electrical Wire – Used to attach wire from panel and run to your inverter.

Volt Meter – Used to test your panel. (You can borrow this from an electrician.)

Author: Aleta Grahm
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

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