Generating Wind And Solar Energy

Finally a progressive global trend has caught on that will impact the environment in a positive way. That trend is the rising concern for our environment and the eagerness to "go green". People are now adjusting their lifestyles to leave a softer footprint on Planet Earth, keeping in mind that our children's children will inherit what we leave behind.

From Hollywood celebrities to politicians like Al Gore, thousands are "going green" daily by switching to wind and solar powered energy, leaving conventional electricity and its detrimental impact on the environment behind.

Let's review some of the most common ways of generating wind and solar energy:

VAWT

Since 200 BC the ancient Persians were harnessing wind energy to fuel their grain grinders. Though we are far more technology advanced, present day vertical axis wind turbine generators operate on the same basic theory; kinetic wind energy is turned into mechanical energy (a windmill), and that mechanical energy is then turned into electrical energy (a turbine).

The two main types of vertical axis wind turbines are the Darrieus and the Savonius. The difference is that the Darrieus uses lift forces generated by aerofoils and the Savonius uses drag forces.

Can you imagine not having to pay your electric company for use of your home's interior and exterior lighting, or for the use of your TV or computer, or anything that is electrically powered? And furthermore, can you imagine your local electric company PAYING YOU for the extra electricity you generate on your own? Well yes! Now not only can you imagine it, it can be a reality with a residential wind power turbine right on your own property! Just make sure that you have at least one acre of land that you can install it on and you are set for a "free and green" electricity source for the rest of your life! Your only cost is the wind power generator itself, and the cost of its maintenance.

Another popular way to power your home or business is via solar powered generators and solar roofing. With a simple kit you can convert the heat of solar energy into electricity all year round. There are several ways to harness solar energy and these include solar dishes, solar panels, parabolic troughs and solar power towers with reflecting mirrors.

In terms of solar roofing there are quite a few things it can do. Not only can you cover your home with safe and attractive shingles, the roof itself will generate electricity throughout the home its covering! There are even solar systems that can generate hot water or hot air and act as a roof at the same time.

You can make a solar powered generator yourself for around $350.00 and it will generate 100 watt-hours of energy if your 20 watt solar panel received just 5 hours per day of full sun.