Solar and Wind Power Combo Systems

Today’s wind and solar power technology has enabled many of us to produce a substantial portion of our electrical power for home or recreational use.  At one time, solar cells, or photovoltaic silicone cells as they are referred to by scientists, were very expensive, costing as much as $100 per watt to construct.  But new materials and technological discoveries have lowered the price of manufacture down to around $1.00 per watt.

This means solar panels are finally worth investing in, especially with the ever rising energy and fuel costs.   By connecting individual solar panels together, the required power needed to operate the home’s electrical appliances is supplied efficiently and at low cost to the homeowner.

Wind turbines, also called windmills or wind generators, have also benefited from new scientific technology.  Lighter materials, better electronics, and more efficient generators allow today’s wind turbines to operate with lower wind speeds than ever before.  This feature allows more users around the world to take advantage of the free power of the wind.

But as we know, the wind doesn’t always blow nor the sun always shine, no matter where one lives.  This is why having a combo wind/solar arrangement is recommended for those who want the best possible, and most dependable, electrical energy supply.  Since the solar panels do not work during the nigh time hours or during periods of cloudy rainy weather, it makes sense to have a wind turbine to fill in the gaps when solar panels cannot operate efficiently.

And when the wind slows to a gentle breeze, or stops altogether, the solar panels are there to continue charging the battery bank or putting electricity back into the local power company’s grid.  In some places the power company will give you credit or pay for any excess electricity you may produce.  If nothing else, you will save money on your power bill each month when the electricity your solar/wind combo system produced is deducted from that used during the month.

Assembling your own solar and wind power system is easier than you might think.  You don’t have to be an electrical genius to connect the solar panels together or a mechanical engineer to mount a wind turbine generator on a pole or rooftop.  But the main advantage of setting up the solar/wind power system yourself is being able to maintain and repair the system when needed.  This means less down time and repair expense for the owner.

Choose the system which is right for your part of the world.  Check the average wind speed in your area and allow for hills or tree stands which may impair the wind flow.  Some wind turbines will operate with very low wind velocities while others require much higher wind speeds to drive the generator.  Blade configurations vary on different wind turbine models with different results and operating speeds.

Solar panels also come in different sizes with different wattage outputs depending on the materials used and the particular manufacturing processes involved.  This allows a certain amount of leeway for the buyer to match the purchase with the money budgeted for the entire solar and wind power system.  Do your homework and purchase the right solar/wind system and start using nature’s free energy resources.  It’s the future of clean inexpensive energy for our planet, but why wait?