Many of us are searching for ways to reduce our utility bills and to be more self-sufficient  through the use of alternative power. All things considered, the benefits don’t stop there; not when considering Mother Nature’s tirade over the past several years. [...]]]>

***The following is a guest post for The Solar Power Blog by Barbara Fix.***

Many of us are searching for ways to reduce our utility bills and to be more self-sufficient  through the use of alternative power. All things considered, the benefits don’t stop there; not when considering Mother Nature’s tirade over the past several years. Installing solar panels or a wind turbine means no scrambling for oil lamps and sleeping bags the next time the power grid goes down.

However, no matter how good your intentions are with regards to self-sufficiency, they can leave us feeling sucker-punched when the final estimate is in.  It’s understandable. Most of us are struggling to pay for our mortgages while the value of the US dollar plummets into economic freefall.

Not to worry. Thanks to a few good people, do-it-yourself instructions to build your own solar panels or wind turbine are available online for free, and that’s something we can afford.

For now, let’s start with a thumbnail comparison of solar panels vs. wind turbines. I  based this research on my homestead cabin and went to a solar/wind turban provider who offered a calculator that asked for zip code to calculate my locations temperature norms and daily sunlight averages. The questionnaire also requested annual kilowatt use. The information is then calculated and recommendations are offered as to whether wind turbine or solar panels are the best solution for your location. Surprisingly, their recommendation showed that my location in northern Idaho had a rating suitable for both solar and wind turbines. Obviously whomever invented this calculator hadn’t been anywhere near north Idaho this winter and early spring. Just two days before Easter, we were blanketed with 3 inches of snowfall overnight and parents had to scramble for a plan B for Easter egg hunts. Placing an egg on the surface of snow, and mixing it with a little daylight, no matter how stingy, and you end up with cute little egg tunnels and not so cute sobbing children. March and April delivered punishing winds that threatened to snap the pine trees on my property that lead to visions of Zeus joining Mother Nature; both bent on using my metal roof for target practice.

It turned out the costs were nearly identical for both solar panels and wind turbine, and as I mentioned, both systems were promised to be good candidates for my area of North Idaho. Based on this past winter and spring, the decision was an easy one: wind generation ruled! For someone living in Toke, Alaska where the sun is missing in action for half the year, going with wind power is a wise decision. But if you live in Phoenix and get sunlight nearly every day—please don’t rub it in--solar panels are the way to go.
Even when your location screams for solar panels, you might want to add Murphy’s Law to the equation because although some solar panels are made with tempered glass and are designed to withstand 1-inch hail and 50 MPH winds, should your area get pummeled by golf ball sized hail every once in a while, look out!

Wind turbines have their own issues. They have moving parts, so with them comes routine maintenance. If you suffer from a fear of heights, better arrange for someone you trust to do the maintenance work.

There is an option of partnering solar panels and wind turbans, and for certain locations, it’s the best approach.

No matter what best suits your geographic location, a portion of energy needs can be reduced with simple restraint.  The government is about to take some of our options away by following the lead of other nations who have outlawed the incandescent light bulb, severing a 130 year dependence upon Edison’s contribution to modern life. A ban on higher wattage incandescent light bulbs will begin in the US sometime in 2012.

We can take advantage of tax write-offs by purchasing smaller, energy star rated hot water heaters or energy efficient tank-less models. And for those of us with availability to natural gas, gas hot water heaters might help. I use the word might quite literally. We don’t know where that “glass” ceiling stops with regards to the price of oil. Some warn it will skyrocket to $5.00 a gallon and stay there. I believe them… I wished I didn’t.

We can switch out our refrigerators and ranges for energy saving models, and get into the habit of turning the lights off and unplugging appliances and chargers when not in use.
No matter how we do it, while the economy continues its nosedive, it’s time to find a workable solution to cut the costs of utilities as we navigate our way to long-term solvency.

The good news is there are folks out there willing to help us unplug from the grid who share do-it-yourself instructions to build solar panels and wind turbines. If you chose to either build or purchase an alternative energy source, you can unplug from the grid and breathe much easier.

Author: Pete Phelps

Because of the rising energy costs sweeping the country and the world, many homeowners are turning towards alternative solutions to meeting their energy needs. One cost-saving option many are examining is solar power for the home. Installing [...]]]>

How to Make Your Own Solar Power for the Home to Save Money and Protect the Planet

Author: Pete Phelps

Because of the rising energy costs sweeping the country and the world, many homeowners are turning towards alternative solutions to meeting their energy needs. One cost-saving option many are examining is solar power for the home. Installing solar power for the home can be a cost-prohibitive endeavor when done by a professional. What most people don't know is that they can install solar panels themselves. By accomplishing this task personally, a homeowner will reap all of the benefits of solar power for the home, but none of the drawbacks in cost.

The way to make solar panels is a far more simple process than most people think. You don't need an engineering degree to make solar power for the home and you don't need to be some electronics whiz-kid either. All you need is a little patience and some free time and you could find yourself on the path of energy freedom. Making and installing solar power for the home can even be a fun and educational activity for your kids, especially teenagers.

The big advantage to building and installing your own solar power for the home is that you'll save a large amount of money. Some professionals charge thousands of dollars to install just a few panels. You will be able to implement a system that can, at very least, power many small appliances and save you money on your energy bill each month. Appliances like DVD players, TVs, computers and coffee makers could all be powered with small solar panels. You could even install a series of panels on your rooftop, giving you complete solar power for the home. You're only limits are that of time and your imagination.

In order to properly build and implement your solar panels, it's important to make sure you have a high quality manual or instructions before you begin. These manuals and instructions for building solar power for the home are available from a number of websites or retailers. However, make sure you are purchasing one that is efficient and reputable. There are a variety of companies that claim they have solar power for the home solutions, but their instructions are overly complicated and lack real insight. Make sure you spend the money to get good instructions; it will pay off in the long run. The supplies themselves are very cost effective. You can purchase lumber, copper wiring and pains of glass from a local hardware store. The photovoltaic cells themselves can either be purchased online or from a local retailer.

The best part about building solar power for the home is the fact that the time it takes is very little. An average person with a little bit of knowledge in building small objects like birdhouses, can build and install a 100-Watt solar panel in less than a day. That solar panel will be enough to power a small appliance or even tools to build more solar panels. Once you build your own solar power for the home in even a small way, the energy savings begin to add up. The money you'll save can be reinvested into more solar panels until eventually you are living off the grid entirely.

Deciding on a proper goal before you begin to install solar power for the home is important. Make sure you understand the proper procedure and exactly what you would like to accomplish first. One easy place to start is in a garden or on a porch. Because the photovoltaic cells will have the ability to accumulate more energy in the open, these spots make prime candidates. You can power lighting or other devices without raising your energy bill.

Again, the most important concept in building solar power for the home is to make sure you have the proper instructions, tools and ability to follow through with the plan. You are making a long-term investment for the future. Not just the future of the planet, but of your own well-being. Besides the financial benefits of installing solar power for the home, you will also reap the rewards of thinking ahead. You'll sleep soundly knowing that the next time the power goes out in your neighborhood, you will have solar panels in place to power daily necessities until the power company can fix the situation.

About the Author:
Pete Phelps is a keen environmentalist and on his website he has reviewed many Solar Power for the home guides.

Click">http://www.homesolarpowerinspector.com">Click to discover his findings on the Top 3 Solar Power for the Home Guides OR Visit http://www.homesolarpowerinspector.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Make Your Own Solar Power for the Home to Save Money and Protect the Planet

Well, it depends.

The reality is that power bills are going up and they are likely to keep going up in the foreseeable future.

In addition, various governments are now coming out with tax incentives and other measures that are designed to promote the use of solar power.

Also, the truth [...]]]>

Is solar power the answer for your home?

Well, it depends.

The reality is that power bills are going up and they are likely to keep going up in the foreseeable future.

In addition, various governments are now coming out with tax incentives and other measures that are designed to promote the use of solar power.

Also, the truth is that we live in increasingly unstable times.  The probability that major economic problems will surface, or that we will see societal unrest or that a major terrorist attack or disaster will strike are higher today than they have ever been during our lifetimes.

So a lot of people are turning to solar power for their homes.

People want to be good to the environment and they want to be prepared for whatever is ahead.

Plus saving a ton of money on monthly bills is a motivating factor for many people too.

So is is for you?

The reality is that you need to do your research and you need to know what you are doing.

If you do not feel comfortable setting up a solar system for your home by yourself, then it is wise to get some professional assistance.

Having said that, often you can get a great deal on solar panels and on information on how to set up a solar system for your home on Ebay.....

http://thesolarpoweredproducts.com/solar-panels