Produce Your Own Energy: DIY Solar Panel VS DIY Wind Generator
With fossil fuels dwindling and electricity costs spiking, many people are becoming interested in energy independence. You most likely are interested, as well, but before you begin to create your own energy you must understand your power producing choices. The two most feasible do-it-yourself choices for generating electricity at home are solar and wind. This short article will discuss both of these renewable energy solutions from a DIY point of view, emphasizing the construction, usability, and reliability of each one.
Constructing Your Power Source
Constructing a wind turbine and an array of solar panels is something that the average homeowner can do. You have two constructing choices. The first, and easiest, option is to get a wind generator or solar panel kit. With such kits, both projects become quick assembly jobs. You do not need to fabricate anything, nor do you need to buy any additional parts. Neither project will be especially difficult, and you will be able to complete whichever one you choose in a day or two.
The second solution is to invest in a set of plans that walk you through the process of how to build a power source by yourself. If you select this option, you’ll have some shopping to do, and shopping for solar cells is significantly less difficult compared to shopping for wind turbine motors. You will most likely be purchasing brand new cells, and you can’t really make a mistake with whichever ones you buy, within reason.
Shopping for the right 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’ll want a motor that generates high output at very low RPMs. Also, some brands of motors, like Ametek, perform much better than others for this unique kind of project. In addition, you will almost certainly be purchasing an used motor, out of an old treadmill, for example, which adds a certain degree of difficulty and uncertainty to your project. 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 very customizable. They are basically just rectangular structures with solar cells mounted on them. Wind generators, on the other hand, can be very customized. For instance, people who take pleasure in shaping wood sometimes craft their own custom blades, many of which are incredibly artistic and time consuming to fabricate. People who enjoy metalworking oftentimes experiment with different gearing ratios and flywheel mounting options. Of course, it’s not necessary to do any of those things. You can just buy new or used parts that are designed to work together–it’s up to you.
Power Source Functionality
Solar panels supply a more consistent and stable source of energy than wind turbines. This is because the sun rises and sets every day, without exception. On overcast days there may be marginally less useable solar power 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 far too much to virtually none whatsoever. That’s not to say that wind is not a good source of power, though. You simply have to be in the right location to take advantage of its benefits, while the power of the sun can be harnessed from just about anywhere.
Power System Reliability
Solar panels are usually more dependable than wind turbines. This is largely due to the fact that solar panels don’t have any moving parts, meaning they’re rarely in need of repair or maintenance. Wind generators, on the other hand, have an electric motor and a gearing system that are continuously spinning, which makes them more prone to damage a result of wear and tear. In addition, wind generator blades are under the constant force of the wind, which, after a while, can cause them to become weak and break. Although solar panels are generally more reliable than wind generators, it ought to be noted that both are dependable, and a properly built wind generator can easily last for many years without damage or failure.
Which Do-it-yourself energy system is best for you?
Which system is the most suitable for you depends on two things, your interests and your location. If you are not in a suitable location for a wind turbine then the answer is obvious, a solar system is better for you. 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 prefer the simplicity of solar panels. Remember, as well, that solar panels and wind turbines function exceptionally well together, so, if you want, you can complete both projects and, in the end, have a power producing system that is capable of operating 24 hours a day and in almost all weather conditions.
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