I see in the hardware stores they have solar panels and wind turbines for home use. How good are they?
2007-06-28 05:53:02 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Wind turbines are most effective if you live in a place with a constant breeze, not just cyclic breezes.
Solar panels are constantly being improved. With the panel you will need to invest in a storage battery. You won't be able to run large appliances like electric stoves, electric water heaters, electric clothes dryers, or air conditioners, but they can easily run lights, small fans, and small appliances.
2007-06-28 18:17:39 · answer #1 · answered by OrakTheBold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Wind Turbine is a huge undertaking!
There is so much more than what you see in the store. Before you even consider buying one you need to make sure that you can meet all the (not just legal) requirements.
When you install the wind turbine, it will need its own breaker on your breaker panel. You will also need an inverter (additional $$$) coupled to a battery network (more $$$) to provide constant power, even when the wind is not blowing.
Even then, you will still be faced with the challenge of installing it! Some installations may require an on-site crane but they are not always needed
Guy wires will also be needed to secure the turbine.
Lastly, a wind turbine that you can buy in the hardware store is proably of questionable quality and efficiency, especially if it is less than a hundred dollars or so. Bergey is an excellent brand to start off with!http://www.bergey.com/
This is just a quick overview, unseen problems may appear later on down the road!
Real Goods: The Pioneer of Renewable Enery Resources!
http://www.solareco.com/articles/article.cfm/id/35
2007-06-29 11:06:22 · answer #2 · answered by Ammy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
before you look to purchase a wind turbine check with your town,city and find out what is entailed in permits and setback rules.Wind turbines are a hot issue in my area and many towns adopt rules that could hamper your efforts to have one.I cannot help with which one is best but just want you to be careful people have purchased wind turbines for residentual use and have had big problems with permits.like needing twice as much fall area as the height of the mill,,,ouch good luck be careful
2007-06-28 13:35:19 · answer #3 · answered by scott k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USA The above three answers are giving good advice. Take hhed.
2007-06-29 22:57:59 · answer #4 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋