Solar and Wind Electric

Solar and Wind Electric Systems

Both Solar and Wind energy are a long proven method of collecting natural energy, both systems are continuously being updated and becoming more efficient and affordable in collecting natural energy. The only difference between Wind and Solar Systems is the way energy is collected:

Solar collects energy by using photovoltaic cells common called solar cells, the sunlight excites the electrons creating an imbalance this is collected by two wire conductor; positive and negative called a Direct Current (DC). The electric current is stored for later use in the home. (more info. How it Works - Solar)

Wind uses blades or a propeller to collect energy, the propeller spins a shaft that is connected to a generator, the generator produce a Direct Current (DC). The electric current is stored for later use in the home. (more info. How it Works - Wind)

Both systems produce Direct Current electricity which that can be stored in batteries (off-line) or converted to Alternating Current (AC) and stored by your electric utility company (on-line). Further when the wind does not blow the sun shines and when the wind blows the sun hides, and it is for this reason that both products are place together on this page. To become 100% self supporting home both systems should be used together, in the long run it is cheaper and one system or both are always working at keeping the electric storage topped up.

Off- Line Systems:

Off-Line Systems stores the Direct Current from the solar cells, this electric current is stored in a battery bank of standard 12 volt 35 amp deep cycle batteries. When the home requires power the DC current is converted in AC current and the home is now drawing its electricity from the batteries. If the home draws too much power from the batteries there is a stabilizer that will open which allows electric to flow in from the power grid keeping a stable electricity flow into the home. This is an off-line system, when the power grid fails home electricity is still available.

A common mistake is most systems are installed with the minimal storage capacity. This result in the batteries continuously going through deep cycles; meaning at night the batteries are drained of most all power and recharged the next day. This causes a short life for the battery and these are expensive. To avoid this costly problem ensure that the battery bank is large enough, over storage is good and the batteries will last a long time. Also by using both a wind and solar system the batteries will always be receiving a continuous charge, which further extends the battery life.

On-Line Systems:

An on-line system collects the electric energy from the Wind or Solar System this is converted to AC power and is sent either directly to the home or into the power grid system. The surplus electricity that is sent into the power grid will make your electric meter run in reverse; this in effect accumulates a credit with your electric company. The electric credit that you store can be used in your home at the times when the house consumption is greater than the amount being produced or at month end if a surplus exists the electric company will pay you for the electricity your system has put into the power grid.

The best way to convert your home to natural energy is a step by step process as describe below:

Step 1: Before purchasing anything do a site survey:

Locate the site for the solar panels that have maximum exposure to the sun, this is normally on the roof of your home.
Locate the site to mount the wind generator, normally on the highest poin
Locate your battery storage area; this should be outside the home and an area that can be secured from children and pets. Remember this is hazards materials and should be in a separated area, preferable the battery system should be inside its own separate shed.
These locations must be easily accessible by you for regular maintenance.
Check the city by-laws to be sure you can mount the panels and generators at the selected sites.
Check with your fire marshal to ensure your installation will comply with safety standards.
Check your home insurance company for any change that may affect your home insurance.
Get a copy of the tax deduction form get familiar with what receipts you must collect to take advantage of the tax deduction.

Note: if this seem too much you can try the Magnetic Generator System.

Step 2: It is recommend purchasing all the main components from the battery storage, if off-line, to the connection into the home system; these are required regardless of which system you install first.

Step 3: Hire a professional electrician to install the complete system from the battery storage to the connection into the home system. Professional certification would likely be required by the building codes and your insurance company.

Step 4: Depending on your budget you can purchase pre-made solar panels or make them yourself and add-on as you are ready expand your system.

Step 5: Start installing the power generation system, the wind generator is the quickest and easiest to get working.

Following these steps is the most cost efficient way to converting your home into producing 100% free electricity.

Solar and Wind systems are old proven systems and you can find hundreds of home packages. For this reason there are number of links below, these are sites that have been around for a long time and have a proven product and offer the best price and delivery service. Visit each site and select the seller that you feel most comfortable with.

Listed are the different suppliers of both Solar and Wind Systems to choose from:

Green DIY Energy Systems

Earth 4 Energy

Home Made Energy