Make Your Own Wind Turbine Vs Make Your Own Solar Panels

Many homeowners are interested in making their own alternative power systems to help reduce energy costs by thousands of dollars. The two main types of easily built homemade energy systems are wind power and solar power. So which of these is the best choice for a home?

Both systems have drawbacks, and have site-dependent issues. The first consideration is the power source; wind turbines require a healthy, strong and steady wind stream. Solar panels require plenty of sunlight. That should be obvious, but it is amazing how many people don't consider these most basic details. Average wind strength and average amount of sunlight data is available from government agencies for most countries. Try to find out as much as you can from careful records and not from your own impressions, which can often exaggerate how much sun or wind is available.

Wind turbines require a steady, strong stream of air. The higher off the ground, the better, because obstacles on the ground cause air turbulence. That is why you see wind turbines mounted on a vertical axis of some kind, usually and aluminum pole that is tethered with guy lines to prevent it from falling over.

Solar panels, on the other hand, can be laid nearly flat on a roof, or above doorways, or mounted in an array. They of course need to be aimed at the sun, and again they should be free of obstacles in front so that they maximise exposure to the sun.

The parts required for either system are fairly easy to obtain, but solar systems require pre-built solar panels, and these can be quite expensive. Wind turbines, on the other hand, can be built with simple parts easily obtainable, the most expensive being the DC motor which is needed to generate the electricity. However, the electricity must be stored into batteries, and these can be pricey.

Actually both systems require batteries for storage, unless you opt for the solar system to heat your water. This is actually a superior use of solar panels than for converting solar to electricity, since the energy exchange is less wasteful in heating water (or glycerine, a substance that holds heat much better than water).

Actually assembly of solar panels is easier than a wind turbine, since it doesn't require having to mount a pole that must be anchored to the ground and able to resist storms. However, solar panels are also at the mercy of the weather, and must be properly anchored.

So which system is the winner for the DIY enthusiast? There is really no clear answer. It depends entirely on your site, your experience, and what kind of energy you wish to generate. Wind to electrical is a simple system that any one can build with a few easily available parts. But solar to hot water is also a pretty basic system that can do a marvelous job of heating water. Best bet: get busy with both systems and take care of your hot water and electrical needs with solar and wind power!

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