Solar and Wind DIY Energy

The most accessible and affordable renewable energy options for most homeowners are solar energy and wind energy.  In fact, a homeowner who is handy with tools can build solar panels and wind turbines for residential use for less than $200.  A small homemade solar panel or DIY wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power electronic devices like computers or security devices like floodlights around the house and garage.  Here are a few facts about the capabilities of solar and wind power systems.
DIY solar energy systems

By building your own solar panels, you can offset some of the cost of electricity that your household uses to run electronic entertainment devices, small appliances and outdoor lighting, to name just a few applications.  Aside from its practical use, the project is also a good way to learn about solar energy systems in general. 
Materials for the box and cover can be easily found at your local hardware store.  New or used solar cells are easy to find online at solar energy websites or even Ebay.  The cost to build your own 65 Watt panel is less than $100 and the project can be completed over a weekend.

Although solar panels will only generate electricity while they are exposed to direct sunlight, the electricity they produce can be captured by a deep-cycle storage battery and used whenever it is needed.
Homemade wind energy systems

Like solar panels, a homemade wind turbine can help you reduce your electrical bill by providing free electricity for your residential use. Unlike a solar panel, a wind turbine doesn’t stop generating electricity at night or when the sky is overcast for long periods of time.  It can generate electricity 24 hours a day during all four seasons -- whether the sun is shining or not -- as long as the wind is blowing.  The electricity produced by a wind turbine is also stored in deep-cycle lead acid batteries.

To build a wind turbine for less than $200, it’s easy to find an inexpensive DC generator, charge controller and inverter at your local hardware store or on Ebay.  You can make your own blades from PVC pipe.  And you can make your own mounting and tower from recycled materials, too.

Wind turbines, like solar panels, need to be strategically located for optimal electrical output.   They must be positioned so that they are high enough above the surrounding terrain and buildings to be in the path of constant wind.  By consulting a wind map, you can determine if you’re living in an area with enough consistent wind to benefit from building your own wind energy system.

DIY Energy  is a good resource for detailed instructions about building your own affordable solar panels and wind turbines.  You’ll find step-by-step videos as well as lists of materials and tools for each project so you can build your own solar panel or wind turbine in just a couple of days.

Green Do-It-Yourself Energy