Solar Powered Charger - What are they and Why are they Useful?

By Dan Ashton

Depending on where you live, extreme weather conditions or just general unreliability of power supplies could mean that having a back up energy source is vital. Particularly when it comes to communication, a solar phone charger for examply could make the difference between calling for help or not.

Whether you are someone who likes to plan in advance, or just prefer to have something on standby, a solar powered charger could be beneficial. You could keep some rechargeable batteries charged and ready to go should you need to, or you could have your charger nearby so that you could start charging immediately.

Once the initial purchase of your solar panel, or solar charger is made, there should be no further cost. The electricity you recieve is then "free". It may take some time to recoup your initial investment, several months perhaps, but at least you know that your standard electricity charges should start to drop.

You can talk to the installation contractor about just setting up a power grid large enough for emergency use only. This will save you some money now, and later when you can afford it better, you can then finish installing the rest of the solar panels, because you will already have some of the installation already.

The scale that you decide to utilise solar power for your energy needs is entirely up to you. The incorporation of a wind turbine can assist your electricity generating, for example. Whether you can do this will depend on your locality and budget, but you can always start small and work your way up. However you do it, if you are looking at a large scale investment, then please remember to take the advice of a professional.

You should check the installation company to find out what mounting hardware, wiring, junction boxes, grounding equipment, and other equipment you will need in order to build your own solar charger. Often the company will have a discount available if you acquire them to build your system.

Once the system you want is installed, it has little maintenance other than checking the batteries once a month. And the system will provide emergency electricity for more than 20 years.

About the Author:

The benefits of using a solar powered charger can be massive. Our author has created a blog where you can discover more about using a solar panel charger.

Using Wind Power To Get Off The Grid

By David Sullivan

Today the catch phrase is going green. Everyone is interested in ways they can be kinder to the planet and still get their energy needs met. Wind power is a renewable energy source and a simple wind turbine will provide power for many years.

Generating electricity with the use of a wind turbine is a good alternative or supplement to solar power. If the sun isn't shining, the wind will likely be blowing. You can save money if you build the wind turbine yourself.

The whole family can help out. If you want to take it further, try to use recycled materials where it is feasible. You can get the parts you need at your local hardware store for less than a couple hundred dollars.

Blades can be made of wood, cardboard or PVC piping. The blades need to be the correct weight for the size of turbine you're making. The base can be made of a wooden or metal pole.

Before you begin, find a good manual that will explain how to build a solid structure. The manual should give you detailed building instructions in a format that is easy to follow. Step by step instructions are the easiest to follow. The manual should include a list of all the materials you'll need to build your wind turbine. Some manuals will offer you alternatives that you can use for building materials. The book should give suggestions on where you may find the needed materials, but you should be able to find most at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Building a wind turbine can be done with some basic knowledge and familiarity with simple power tools. It is a great way to make use of some open space around your home. A wind turbine can be constructed anywhere that the wind will blow. It is a great way to become an active participant in the green movement.

If you have an acre of land or two, you can even build more than one and send energy back to the grid. Your power company will pay for the energy you send to them.

Many people may be missing out on an important and easy to implement way to conserve energy. It is not difficult to do if you have a good set of instructions. You will be doing your part to conserve the environment while cutting the cost of your electricity.

About the Author:

Want to see how to build your own wind generator? We specialize in alternative energy. See our website at RenewableEnergyAtHome.Com for easy ways to get your renewable energy project started. Check out how to build a wind turbine at our home site now.