As the world is moving away from fossil fuels, everyone is looking for new ways to create electricity. Solar and wind are some of the most popular options out there. Here’s a brief guide on them:
Wind
Wind is one of the most renewable and cleanest sources of energy. It can’t provide all electrical needs, but it can reduce people’s reliance on fossil fuels. Here’s a brief guide on it:
How Does It Work?
To generate electricity using the wind, you’re going to need turbines to produce power. These consist of a rotor, generator, and tail.
Rotors usually have 2-3 blades, which spin as the wind hits it. The kinetic energy produced by the movement drives the generator. The tail, on the other hand, ensures that the turbine is always facing the right direction.
The energy is then fed into a set of batteries, which can power different establishments. You’ll also need an inverter to generate usable electricity and connect it to the grid.
Is It Reliable?
This depends on where you are. Some places get a lot of wind consistently while others don’t. If you plan on relying on it for your business or community’s electrical needs, it’s best if you live in the former.
It’s also a good idea to have backup generators. The weather is often unpredictable and you don’t want to lose power all of a sudden.
Solar
This is another popular form of renewable energy. And, it’s a good one. Many people have constant access to the sun and all its power. If you want to learn more about how it’s converted into something usable, here’s a brief primer:
How Does It Work?
First, you’re going to need solar panels. They’re generally installed on roofs, but you can place them anywhere as long as it has unobstructed access to sunlight. These devices are made up of silicon cells that act as semiconductors.
To produce power, the cells capture the energy contained in light particles by isolating the electrons from the rest of the atom. This creates an electrical current, which can be used in households or businesses.
Is It Reliable?
Solar energy is reliable if you know what you’re doing. The panels and batteries are sturdy and rarely fail. As long as you have steady access to the sun, you shouldn’t have any issues. And, if you do experience a problem, most manufacturers offer an output warranty that lasts for decades. You won’t have to pay for any damages.
These are just 2 types of renewable energy sources you can look into. There are more out there and it’s not difficult to find one that works for you.
And, the best part about using them is that you can also help others. If you’re utilizing solar panels, purchase a Fronius grid-tie inverter to give your spare electricity to your local power company to be distributed. There are various products that’ll do the same thing for wind energy as well.