From the Wisdom of Tikashi. An Easy step by step program designed to take you from where to are now, to Wherever you want to be. Motivational. Inspirational. Practical, Down to Earth. Powerful, Life-changing!
How to Create Your Dreams

Planet Connect Get Green Video Contest. Rate this video! CLICK TO TWEET clicktotweet.com Note: This video was originally intended for an environmental action contest. Though I didn’t make it to the finals, I still want to show you guys what I made This is my first ever video stopmotion. The theme of this video is how to save the Earth! Haha…

The world’s leading climate research centres say 2010 is the hottest year since record keeping began 130 years ago. The floods in Pakistan and landslides in China are reinforcing beliefs that climate change is accelerating and causing extreme weather and natural disasters. On this episode of the Riz Khan show we ask: Are we reaching the tipping point in the fight against global warming?

It is always so amazing to note that with the rise in solar energy usage; a lot of people are still ignorant of the wonders of this type of energy. Not only does it reduce wastage but it helps the environment as well. What is not to like? Unfortunately, the main stumbling block to the rise of solar renewable energy is that its benefits have not been expounded enough. Surely if more and more people know about this type of energy, and of the positive effects of its usage, then more people will start using it as well?

For home owners, they do not realize that their energy consumption is pretty high. A lot of people have that lackadaisical attitude about them when it comes to switching off lights and electrical devices when not in use. You would not really face such a problem if you were to switch to solar renewable energy. Again, a lot of people might think that it is a hassle to change everything to solar energy. However, all you need to do is consult the professionals and they will do everything in their power to assist you in order to make the change from existing systems to one that only utilizes solar renewable energy.

Many people who have switched to using solar renewable energy do not regret it at all. Mostly, the change is only a one-off cost that in the long run, will save you much more in the money that you would need to fork out for your energy bills. At the same time, you are definitely doing your bit for the environment. A lot of people think that since the sun does not come out in the night time that the energy levels will dip when there is no light. There are many ways and means to overcome these obstacles and at the end of the day, the benefits are just too numerous in favour of solar renewable energy.

Paul Stamets was invited to discuss new developments in the mycommunity

Solar panels and wind power towers have quickly become one of the most popular ways to wean a home off of the electrical power grid. There are several reasons for this:

Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200 The low cost of building, installing and maintaining solar panels and wind power towers; The ease of building them – there are currently many well-made guides and helpful videos full of step-by-step diagrams and photos to make building them easy enough for children to build; For families with children, the value of creating a project that will allow children to learn how a renewable energy system works so they can then use the knowledge they have gained to expand their own solar systems and wind power towers and to teach others how to build passive renewable energy systems; Proving that it really is possible to get off the electrical grid for good and stay off it by building passive renewable energy devices gives one unmatched confidence and pride of ownership; The potential for creating a viable working home business in selling renewable energy devices that anyone can build to a burgeoning alternative  home power energy market; Once a home is off the grid, the ability to sell electricty back to the power companies is attractive passive income for many; Finally, the growing tax credits available to those who build their own alternative energy systems can be substantial and make it worth it to many.
 
Professionally installed panels are overpriced. The shortage of installers of renewable energy devices provides an excuse for power companies and other large companies to overcharge for installation. Having a qualified and licensed electrician hook the system up to your home is certainly desirable if one is not able to or doesn’t feel confident enough to do the electrical hookups themselves.

Any motivated do-it-yourselfer can learn how to make solar panels for their home, workshop or business.  All materials are easily and widely available in most hardware stores. Parts are not expensive. In fact, it’s possible to build a solar panel system or a wind power tower for less than $200.

A quality instruction manual will contain a shopping list and thorough instructions on how to make solar panels. Plywood, sheets of glass, and a roll of copper wire are easy to find. Suppliers of inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use in your project are also listed in most good manuals.  Many parts are available over the Internet if you cannot find a retailer near you.

Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200

If you’re just starting out with little experience in building anything, building a solar panel that produces 100 kwh of power will take a weekend at most after you have your parts. This is the perfect amount of electricity to operate small appliances or a small workshop and it’s a great start.

As you expand the system and learn to connect the panels to one another, you will find that it is possible to get completely off the grid.

The primary drawback to a passive solar system like solar panels is that the sun rarely shines every day all day. This is the reason most solar panel systems encourage you to also learn to build and install wind power towers or windmills. They too can be built at very low cost and are easy to build. Most good instructional manuals will carefully lay out the preferred requirements of using renewable energy devices.  A good start would be to have almost 180 days of sunshine a year. Living in a location with winds that blow at least 15 mph is also helpful.

Get a a quality manual with detailed instructions for learning how to make solar panels.  In many cases you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on an instruction manual that others like.  Overall, the cost of making your own panels is low, the instruction manual is essential and educational.

Good things come to those who are willing to make a little effort. Passive renewable energy systems are no exception. The benefits far outweigh the costs.  Your lights will still be on while others are suffering from brownouts and blackouts. Be prepared to share. More serious challenges lie straight ahead. Don’t get caught flat-footed.

Making your own solar and wind power for less than $200