Home Improvement Archive

You don’t have to be a tree hugger to see the benefits of generating , your own electricity. You don’t even have to change your lifestyle. 40% of the average residential electric bill is from devices that are turned off. That is right all those devices that you turned off are still using power, shocking ain’t it. Using a power strip that you switch off or, just unplugging them will reduce you your electric usage by 40%, try it and see for yourself.

Now that we have almost cut your power usage in half, don’t stop, keep taking action. The next time it is time to replace a major appliance. Get one with a high energy start rating. Some of these may cost a little more up front but they will more than pay for themselves with power savings in the long run.

Replace all the incandescent light bulbs in your house with compact florescent bulbs. The compact florescent bulbs uses 75% less electricity than the incandescent light bulb. The average house has around 50 light bulbs just this one change will reduce your lighting cost by 75%.

Now that we have drastically reduced your electric consumption using a alternative energy resource is now easily within your reach. And your lifestyle has not undergone some major upheaval. Now generating your own electricity with alternative residential energy solution just got 65% easier!

The first source of renewable energy we will consider is solar power. It is the most widely used probably because of it’s ease of use. You just set-up the panels and they convert sun power to electric power, to simple. The biggest down sides to solar power being a alternative residential energy solution is the cost of the panels and having to keep them clean. I live in the north and the thought of having to go on a roof covered with snow to uncover the panels didn’t appeal to be. But you may live in a location where this is not a problem.

The second option we will discuss is wind energy. This one fits my location better than solar power. Because I live in the north, and there are a lot of cloudy days plus I don’t want to have to clean panels. A wind generator can be made to fit in any yard, you can even mount them on your roof . Even in low wind speed, a wind generator can be a great renewable energy source.

There are many ways by which you can generate home solar electricity. These methods not only help you in savings lots of dollars but they also offer sustainable energy solutions to the environment. Basically the energy from wind and solar is renewable and free to use and is a great alternative to the energy from fossil fuels. Here is a lowdown on the reasons to generate electricity at home with the help of solar panels or wind turbines:

1. By using ‘green energy’ you will saving the planet earth by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Also the fossil fuels tend to emit carbon while burning. Carbon emissions cause ozone depletion. So, you will be reducing your impact on global warming. Production of electricity from solar and wind is a time tested method and is available through many DIY guides on the Internet.
2. People, who have small homes or live in the RVs, cannot have better alternatives. You can live completely off grid. It is very cheap to build your own wind turbine generators and generate home solar electricity.
3. If you have both the equipments installed at your home, then they will complement each other. You will have electricity when it is cloudy and also when it is not windy. If you rely on a single source, then you will have to store some energy in the batteries for back-up power. However, if you use both the solar and wind power, the convenience is maximized.
4. You will save lots of money on the electricity bills by utilizing this free source of electricity. As soon as your system is installed and running, your electricity bill will get slashed drastically.

Both the wind and sun are available in abundance and so is the energy produced from them. You only have to spend money to download the knowledge related to making the relevant equipment, from the Internet, in order to harness this power and then convert it into electricity. Additionally, the ROI is great since there is low cost involved in gathering materials from local hardware shop and very little maintenance is needed. However, you must choose the best DIY guide from the abundant that are available on the net.

There’s a lot of “green” money being thrown around out there from President Obama’s economic stimulus package (ARRA) and other sources that has everyone talking about Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy, e.g. electric cars, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), wind power, solar power, hydro-power. It seems that there are a lot of carrots being dangled out there in front of us — solutions that are coming, but not quite here yet. So what can we do about it? What solutions are available today? (Ok, besides the Prius).

Renewable Energy is not just a topic for politicians, government programs and do-good organizations. Did you know there are things YOU can do to help preserve the environment today? And they are cheaper than you might think! While you’re at it, you will be helping our nation become more self-sustaining, thereby promoting our national security. Here are some things you can do right now:

1. Convert your car to an Electric Vehicle (EV).

Here you have a few options: (1) you could take your car to a shop that does this and have it professionally done for $15,000-$25,000; (2) you could buy a kit and do it yourself for $5000-$15,000; or (3) you could do it yourself from scratch for $500-$5000. This is not as far out of reach as you might think. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you probably know someone who is and would be glad to help (just trade for piano lessons or something). All you need is a good instruction guide, some basic shop equipment, and a little help from time to time. Chances are, there are people in your neighborhood who have done this already or are in the process. Check around. A good source of information is your local chapter of the Electric Auto Association. Keep in mind that the range of your electric vehicle will be much less than it was before. You may get as much as 100 miles before you need to recharge the batteries. For most of us that covers 90% of our driving in a given day, but there are times we want to go further. My advice is to keep your existing car for the long trips and find a vehicle with a blown engine but otherwise in good condition that the seller is willing to part with for a few hundred dollars. Convert that and now you’ve got something better than a hybrid!

2. Build your own Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels.

Most people would love to have their electric bill reduced. Don’t count on the electric company reducing rates. Instead, do something to capture an endless source of energy….the Sun. Most people are thrown off by the high price of state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels. Let’s face it, most of us don’t have $70,000 or so sitting around with nothing better to do. But did you know that you can make your own panels for only a couple hundred a-piece? Ok, so they’re not going to be the super-efficient, high-tech gadgets that you pay thousands for, but hey! You aren’t paying thousands. Best of all, you can start with one at a time and get better at it as you go. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole system generating enough power during the day to run your lights at night. You might even have enough extra to sell back to the electric company. Think of that!

3. Capture the power of the Wind.

Do you live where it is constantly windy? Well, even if you don’t, you could benefit from building your own wind generator. Ok, so if it’s always dead calm at your house, this may not work for you. But in most places even if it is calm during the day the wind generally picks up at night, enough to generate a reasonable amount of electricity — a perfect supplement to the solar panels that can only work during the day. Best of all, you can make a wind generator yourself and avoid the big up-front costs of a brand-new one. Get some plans, buy the materials and get to it!

4. Make your own Bio diesel.

People have been doing this for years. You can power your truck, car, generator, fuel-oil furnace; basically anything that takes standard diesel can take bio diesel. Right now you can buy bio diesel from some gas stations at about the same cost as regular fuel. The only thing you get is the satisfaction that you can sit and breathe the emissions without worrying about health problems. So what if you want a cheaper alternative? Get a supply of grease from your local restaurant and put it to good use. This is not a cakewalk, remember you’re dealing with fuel here, but it is pretty simple. As long as you carefully strain, mix and heat according to reliable detailed instructions, you will end up with a recycled, clean, multi-use fuel source. Don’t get scared off by the people that say bio diesel is bad for your engine. As long as you take precautions and follow some simple maintenance procedures, your engine will run just fine. If you live in a colder climate, during the winter you may need to mix standard diesel with the bio diesel to help keep it from gelling. Even at a 50% mix, you’re still running a cheaper, cleaner rig.

So what does Renewable and Alternative energy have to do with you? Everything! If we all did just one thing for our environment, we would find ourselves living in a cleaner world, breathing cleaner air and living better lives. I’ve shared just a few examples, but as you can see, there are things that you can do to improve and preserve your living environment today. You may not be able to do all of these things, but all you have to do is start somewhere. If you need help finding a good instructional, visit my web site. I think you’ll find that as you begin to take initiative on some of these things and build them with your own hands, you will gain confidence, security and self-worth. Perhaps best of all, you’ll be putting money back in your own pocket.

It is highly likely that every homeowner has thought about generating their own electricity. There are more than a handful of people who would love to eliminate there electricity bill and lessen carbon emissions at the same time. Thanks to the development of a magnetic generator it is possible to do just that. The generator creates absolutely free energy that can be used to create electricity for a household and eliminate carbon emissions as well.

A magnetic generator can help you achieve energy independence because it doesn’t rely on any outside resource, and it will produce electricity 24 hours of the day and 7 days out the week indefinitely.

With this device magnetic energy is utilized to turn an electrical generator instead of utilizing wind, sun, or gas. These generators pretty much operate on the poles of magnets which will repel one another. When you place the two “north” or “south” poles end to end the magnets will push away from each other.

It is this internal force of the magnets a magnetic generator is utilized to produce free energy that can then be transferred into electricity for your home. Inside the generator the magnets are aligned in a specific way to make a propulsive force to turn the electrical generator shaft, which is often referred to as perpetual motion.

To construct a magnetic motor and start producing free energy you will need some of the same components required to build other energy efficient machines. One of the main supplies you’ll need is deep cycle DC batteries. You will also need a DC to AC inverter so you can connect this free energy the magnetic generator produces to your electrical system.

There are already several do-it-yourself solar panels that have been made accessible to the public whether over the net or in the actual market. The availability of these has also been incorporated with devices wherein you can study and learn the production, planning, and fabrication of electricity derived from raw sunlight. This has already become a new trend as a renewable supply of energy made available to everybody. Now, we can use heat from the rays of the sun and convert it into usable power. With the help of an appropriate device, we can transform this heat to electricity, helping us save about eighty percent off our monthly electric bills.

Though ready-made panels are indeed just as available in the market, the downside to it is their cost. Prices range from $2000 to $3000 as compared to do-it-yourself ones that are priced only at around $200. Surely, at about over a thousand dollars difference, the do-it-yourself solar panels are hands down more preferable, especially when we know that they come with their own do-it-yourself guides nowadays.

These guides teach you the exact steps in an illustrated manner on how you can go about building your own renewable energy system to tap on sunlight for your electricity needs at home. Not only so, you will learn how to do this affordably.

Once you have already installed them on your roof or backyard, you will also have already started generating your very own electricity. Almost everybody has a lot of, or even just enough, free space on the roof or backyard to make room for these power generating devices.

These house areas or locations are the ideal spots to put them on since it is these areas that are usually most open to direct sunlight and one can easily install the solar panels there. For those who happen to have houses that are too small to accommodate or consume all of the excess electricity the do-it-yourself solar panels generate, the “surplus” energy can actually be sold to local utility companies and rechanneled to other households in the neighborhood, thereby generating income for you and your family as well.

Isn’t it time for you to say goodbye to electric bills and hello to renewable energies?

Did you know that solar power is one of the best and most reliable renewable energy sources available?

The problem many of us find is that the cost of having professionally installed solar power systems is too expensive these days and it could take many years to see a return on the investment. But do understand that there are alternatives for you. The most cost-effective way to take advantage of the power of the sun is to build solar panels on your own.

Most of the “do-it your-selfers” out there (and you know who you are) can learn how to make solar panels for your own personal use. For use in your home, shop or business. By building your own solar panels you will not only save money and also learn how the system works and “how to” expand your system for your total energy needs.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not that difficult to find. Once you have a quality manual to explain what is needed and how to built the panels, many of the supplies can be purchased at your local hardware store. Items such as sheets of glass, plywood and a roll of copper wire. The guide also can tell you where to find inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use for your project. And in some cases for free. In general the instructions are easy to follow and soon you are on your way to having your own renewable power system.

Material costs are around $200.00 (or less) per panel and this system will power up basically any appliance in your home: washing machine, refrigerator, computer or TV’s. These solar panels are also highly portable and can travel with you if you want.

Making the choice to build your own solar panels is a wonderful investment for your future. You will also benefit in knowing that you are doing your part in helping build a “greener tomorrow” for us all. “

Sound like too much for you? If you are scared it would be difficult, it is just not true. By providing some or all of your own power you can cut your electric bill and just think of seeing your meter running backwards!

The average cost of professionally installed solar panels is $20,000 to $30,000. This kind of system will take around 15 years for it to pay for itself! I don’t know about you, but I consider that a lose lose situation. Why spend that much money on alternative energy sources when you can make your own for less than $200? Only a fool wouldn’t take up the option of DIY alternative energy solutions after seeing these statistics. Hopefully you are not a fool and are actually interested in saving a whole lot of cash. If you can relate then keep on reading to find out how exactly you start saving hundreds of dollars every month.

There are only 3 requirements that must be fulfilled in order to build your own natural power system. You need you. You need a place to put the natural energy system around your house. And you need a DIY homemade green energy guide. With these vital tools you can create your own alternative source of energy in just two days. And the best part is that 2 out of the 3 necessary tools are absolutely free! You will only need to spend your money on a DIY homemade energy guide but if you know where to look you can find a reliable one for under $50. And that’s just pocket change compared to what you will be saving.

If you can put up with these 3 simple requirements then you will be on your way to saving hundreds of dollars every single month. What are you waiting for?

Utility businesses have had consumers blind sighted for years, even so, mechanical engineer Alan Hopkins has released industry secrets designed to help you replicate the very solar and wind powered generators that power millions of homes across America — but for a significant fraction of the price. He put this information into a DIY energy kit called Free Energy Options.

If you have been seeking a way that permits you to completely get rid of your energy bills and start generating your personal energy for little to no cost, the Free Energy Options kit is the one tool you need in your arsenal.

Product Overview

Free Energy Options provides a start to finish guide on the way to create your own solar and wind powered generators that can reside safely in your personal backyard, without the hefty price tag. In fact, Free Energy Options goes as far as helping you build your individual 1000-watt windmill and 200-watt solar powered generator for less $200 in materials. This is not only a great way to save green in your pocket book but will also help you stay green and minimize the energy waste that goes on in a majority of households.

Ease of Use

With the step-by-directions and colored illustrations provided in this guide, we guarantee that ANYONE can replicate these models and have their own individual solar and wind energy generators started without delay.

If you’re tired of fattening the pockets of energy giants and want to reduce your energy bills by as much as 80% each year, Free Energy Options is a guide you don’t want to overlook.

I could go into more detail about this guide but its best if you take Alan Hopkins up on his money back guarantee and buy his kit. If you do not find it useful get a refund but I highly doubt you will want one if you are truly serious about learning how to create your own DIY energy solution in your home.

With global warming finally being recognized by the masses for the very real threat that it is, we’re faced with making some serious changes, and fast.

There are alternative energy solutions for everyone, regardless of income. Even if you’re not able to install the latest $40,000 commercial solar system, or that impressive, very expensive wind turbine, you can still utilize solar energy, and the benefits of having your own, electricity-producing wind turbine.

Electrical power generation isn’t a complicated procedure, nor does it have to be expensive. You can actually build your own alternative energy solutions, and for surprising little money. By using only simple tools that most everyone already has, and purchasing cheap, individual solar cells, most people could easily build a couple of energy-producing solar panels during a weekend project.

Also, if you live in an area that has a decent amount of wind, a DIY wind turbine could also be part of your alternative energy solutions. For again, just a tiny investment, as low as $200, you can actually have your own electricity-producing wind turbine. Compared to what a similar, commercially available wind turbine would cost, a DIY wind turbine is like hitting the lottery.

Even if you don’t want to build a solar array big enough to totally live ‘off-grid,’ just a small investment of time and money, coupled with some smart choices in your home power usage, can easily save most homeowners a tremendous amount of money. Of course if you are trying to totally eliminate your monthly utility bill, by building a couple of solar panels a month, and investing, as you can afford to, in the other equipment needed (batteries, inverter, etc.), anyone can become totally energy independent in a relatively short time, and for a fraction of what a contractor-installed solar or wind energy system would cost.

The experts are saying that we need to rid ourselves of this horrible fossil fuel addiction in the next ten years, or it could be too late. Peter Smith, an emeritus professor at Nottingham University, said that we need to replace fossil fuels with greener energy within ten years because green technology would need at least ten years to bring carbon levels under control.

It really doesn’t take a professor though to realize that the many decades of nonstop pollution since the industrial age, with little to no concern for the very planet that gives of life, has taken it’s toll. If we don’t make the necessary changes, and make them soon enough, these many years of abuse of the planet, could very well take much more.

Like everything in life, there are always two sides to a coin. Human beings have used wind energy for hundreds of years. We all know that wind energy is a clean and free source of energy, but is there anything that is preventing it from becoming a mainstream source of energy?

Since ancient times, people have been harnessing power from the wind for everyday use. Traditionally, windmills are used to pump water and grind grains. Today, windmills are even used to generate electricity.Some of the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy are, wind energy is free, inexhaustible and clean. So long as the wind turbines of the windmill work, electricity will be generated.

Currently the main sources of energy used by the population are derived from the burning of coal, nuclear reaction and hydroelectric dams. Coal is an exhaustible resource and when burned, emitting a huge amount of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. The use of nuclear energy is volatile and dangerous. A breakdown in the nuclear reactor could kill hundreds of people and cause radiation hazards for decades to come in that area. The building of hydroelectric dams requires the flooding of thousands of acres of land, changing the landscape and destroying habitats.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy, 4 Points to Remember:

o Since ancient times, people have been harnessing power from the wind for everyday use.

o Wind energy is free, inexhaustible and clean.

o Wind turbines are also very noisy, and some even claim that they affect the migratory patterns of birds and other wildlife.

o Modern power plants can produce ten times more electricity compared to wind turbines.

The uses of wind power, unlike others, carry with it almost no environmental impact. A single wind turbine can create electricity for over 200 homes. It can be built without any geographical alterations and is extremely safe and easy to maintain.

Some would ask, if wind power is so perfect, then how come it is so scarcely used? One of the reasons is that wind power is as reliable as, well, the wind. The optimal location for a windmill is where there is a constant and moderate flow of wind and there are very little areas on earth that has such geographical conditions; hence the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy.

Another factor would be the cost. Modern power plants can produce ten times more electricity compared to wind turbines. Wind turbines are also very noisy, and some even claim that they affect the migratory patterns of birds and other wildlife.