Ever since the global energy crisis has become a major news story, a lot of average families are starting to realize that to make a difference, we have to do it, one household at a time.
Every journey starts with one step and individuals are starting to make an impact, by bringing change into their lives. Families do their bit by recycling, turning off lights and conserving power in small ways, but wouldn’t it be great if there were things we could do to make more of an impact?
An easier way to make an impact is to use renewable energy sources for our energy demands. Two of the most popular options appear to be wind and solar.
Homeowners are finding that by using renewable energy sources in their homes, their power bills are almost non-existant and they are also helping to protect the environment because they are no longer relying on fossil fuels.
Click here to learn about how to build a wind turbine
If you are thinking about using wind power for the home, there are several factors to take into consideration:
1. You will need a large area for the wind turbine, especially if you plan to build one large enough for the average domestic home. About an acre of land should suffice.
2. The second issue is whether or not you will have enough wind. If you are going to produce enough electricity, you will need wind speeds of above 10 miles per hour on a regular basis.
3. The third thing to consider is whether to go off-grid completely. It is probably a good idea to stay connected to the power grid if your wind source is unreliable. Unless you live on the edge of a cliff or in a lighthouse, you will probably need a power back-up at some point.
Click here to learn how to make a wind turbine and generate domestic electricity
What precisely is a wind turbine?
The average windmill comprises two or three rotors or blades in the form of a propellor, a tower and a motor. If you want more energy, simply lengthen the blades. The wind blows and spins the rotor or propellor, which then turns the motor and this produces electricity. The power this spinning motion creates is then converted into domestic electricity that can be used in the home. You can store any unused electricity in batteries for later use.
Click here to learn how to make a wind turbine and harness wind power for the home
