Choosing Solar or Wind Power

Deciding on what kind of green power is appropriate for your life requires careful planning. Most importantly, you have to consider what kind of property you own. Certain properties have an abundance of natural resources, while others do not. Some properties have no outside space in which to install solar panels or wind turbines. However, this should not be a limitation. All designs of property, even apartment, can lend themselves to the creation of green power. It is also a lucky coincidence that most locations that lack one natural resource are usually abundant in another.

Your Property

Most of the power systems that we associate with green power- specifically solar panels and wind turbines- require outside space. Few properties have streams running through them, but if you are lucky enough to have such a property, there are many options for building micro-hydro systems. In all cases, there are options. If you have no outside space, you can look to the roof- while not ideal for wind (not impossible, just not ideal), it is a great place for a solar array. If you only have inside space, there are still passive solar systems that can be installed, such as window boxes relying on passive solar technology or windows based on the same technology.

Where you Live

Obviously, certain forms of green power are more efficient in different climates. in the Western US, solar power tends to be a better option than wind. But if you live on the plains or in the east, wind tends to be better. That said, installation of multiple systems is always a good option. In fact, the best energy systems rely on multiple forms of power generation so that natural forces do not prevent your system from shutting down. A week-long storm may reduce the efficacy of your solar generator, but if it brings wind along, then a turbine will be all the more effective. In addition, many forms of green power work where you might not think they would- you can still get power out of solar panel in a cloudy climate- albeit less than if you live in a desert.

Backup

Choosing the type of power backup you will use is necessary if you truly want to have success in maintaining green energy as your primary form of power. For many, this is a battery bank. For others, it’s to tie your power system into an existing power grid. Either option has its ups and downs, but before installing a system, this should be considered.

Finances

Green power is, in the long-term sense, a money saver. However, you need a certain amount of money to begin your project. If your budget is constrained, consider one of the many online guidebooks that can show you how to build your own generators for as little as $150.

As a final note, building green energy saves on both finances and environmental impact. Most Western governments are providing tax breaks or grant incentives for building power. In addition, the money saved in utilities ads up over time

Perhaps the most important result of this, however, is not financial. All that money you save is a great incentive. But for many, the greater incentive will that creating your own power constributes to saving the climate on a much larger scale.

I wish you all good luck and good building!

 

Damon Westchester is the editor of build-green-power.com.

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