The two most popular alternatives in renewable energy for the home are solar and wind power. When the two are used in concert they can provide a constant energy source that is environmentally friendly. You can even mount them onto a system that is connected to a utility grid so that most of the energy to your home is supplied by the system and the grid is used as a backup system.
In a solar power system, the light from the sun is the source of electricity. Solar panels are mounted onto a roof, poles, or on the ground. The panels are lined with a semiconductor material that creates electricity when hit by the rays of the sun. Most mounts are equipped with motors that let you tilt the panels to face the sun as it moves through the sky.
The electricity generated by such systems is routed through a regulator/controller and then to an inverter to change the direct current to alternate current. Depending upon your installation, it may be sent to your battery array as direct current or to the electrical system in your home. When it is passed to your home, it can be used to power all your appliances just as the electricity from the grid may be currently doing.
Electricity generation in a wind power system is similar to that of solar power systems, except for the generation part, which occurs in the body of the turbine–that’s what most of us would call the giant fan–that will spin away at the top of the huge towers they are often mounted upon.
In a wind power setup the wind turns the blades of the wind turbine the shaft of which is routed into a generator which as it spins creates the electricity. That electricity is then routed into your structure’s electrical or storage system to provide power on its own or as a backup to your solar power.
Wind power needs a bit less in initial equipment costs, since the bulk of the price is the turbine, which is typically less costly than many solar arrays. The negative point is that the turbine must be mounted up well off the ground on a tower like structure, which is stronger but costs more to install. This kind of installment typically needs zoning approval from your community and usually takes a little more thinking ahead.
When you use solar power in combination with wind power, each part can contribute to the overall energy output. This can add up and put a significant dent in your utility bills if the conditions are right. Some guides to create such systems claim that you can build a hybrid system for the home for around $400. This is possible if you use discounted parts and do all the labor yourself. This may not be for everyone but because it is so cheap to put up, it may be a worthwhile project for any DIY enthusiast.