Home Solar Review

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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Solar Energy /Wind Energy: which is the best source? The average American home produces average 41,800lbs (about 20 tonnes) of Co2 every year. By simple using a do-it-yourself approach to home solar power or wind power system that number can be cut in half! Imagine the impact we could have on our planet, people out there decided to convert their homes and remove part of your carbon footprint. Interested in learning how to DIY solar power or DIY wind power. They are clean, Eco-friendly and efficient energy sources for your home. If you want to save money on power, and be one of those who is working to save our planet.

Solar Energy

Solar energy from the sun can easily be converted into sunlight. The beams of light from the sun hit a photovoltaic (PV) module which responds by generating a current. This electrical energy is then carried into our homes. A home solar system is typically made up of solar panels, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, wiring and support structures.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is the form of solar energy, there are some similarities. The wind blows the propeller which Rotor blades – the 5 large fin-like metal pieces that are blown by the wind. Often made of PVC or similar material in smaller systems. Shaft – As the rotor blades turn, they turn the shaft, that together collect kinetic energy from the wind. Generator – Using the principle of electromagnetic induction, generators cause magnets to rotate around a conductor and create electricity. For some systems you may also need a DC Motor, Charge Controller, Battery Pack and AC inverter. Ideally a wind turbine should be located in a place where there is a near constant flow of non-turbulent wind throughout the year.

Costs

First of all, both system are costs involved in order to produce a PV module or wind turbine. In some ways obtaining electricity from wind power or solar power is easy and a great way to cut long term costs. A few decades ago, only back-to-the-land types made serious use of solar panels and windmills, but today renewable have gone mainstream. The latest technology has brought the price of renewable down dramatically. With this market growth-and all of the environmental benefits that come with it, making them more cost-competitive.

Efficiency

Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts. 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = the amount of electricity required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. If you having solar panels covering your roof will give you enough energy to generate electricity in your home, as long as you are careful about usage. Another ways is relying on the battery back up, a solar energy system can provide electricity 24×7, even on dull days and at night.

The turbine needs to be in a position where it gets maximum benefit from the wind available, although the wind will never stop blowing, thereby providing an endless source of wind energy if we harness it correctly, with the appropriate back-up generators.

How to make a complete home solar/wind power system with as many solar power panels as you want depending on your financial position to go partially or go totally off the grid. You have to find a way to generate your own energy without reliance on public utilities for thing like electricity. First thing is to being mindful of how to use your resources is the first step towards energy independence. When you decide to build your own alternative energy system you stand to save money by choose with the right instruction, so that you are not putting out a huge expenditure at once.

Author: Lynda Levi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Bumper guardian

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