solar-and-wind

Vegetable oil can be used to heat greenhouses,
allowing operators to turn up the heat without blanching. It all
began three years ago at a Monk’s Café in Philadelphia, a
restaurant known for their French fries because they change the oil daily. One day Glenn Brendle, when delivering his farm-grown
produce to the café, saw 25 to 30 jugs of vegetable oil sitting in
the alleyway. He asked, “What are you doing with all that oil?” The
proprieter said, “Take it, take it!” A service used to take the
oil away, but now the café used so much oil that it was becoming cost-prohibitive.
Brendle, a self-described “piker,” said, “Maybe I can use it.”
For the last 20 years Brendle has grown produce for Philadelphia
restaurants at Green Meadow Farm, a small farm
outside of Gap, PA. He also directs a loose coalition of local
market farmers. He distributes their produce, cheese, and meat to
local restaurants and cafes, which love the fresh food. (Diners
love it too.)
Brendle’s two heated greenhouses covered 4,000 square feet.
He hated burning all that money every winter … especially
if he could get the fuel for free. First,
Brendle made a heater to burn the vegetable oil in one
greenhouse. Later, he experimented with a commercial waste oil
heater, but he was always having to tinker with it. Then, one
morning, to his astonishment, a huge hole was melted in
the side of his greenhouse. During the night the heater had
exploded and sent a fireball through the plastic. So, he decided
to bite the bullet and do it right. He found another waste
oil burner, modified it to burn vegetable oil, then
installed it inside a small shed he calls the heat house. The burner
heats the water to 180 degrees. A circulator pump sends the
heated water through pipes four feet underground to hot-water radiators in the house and the two greenhouses. In each greenhouse is a hanging radiator that’s about 2 by 2 ½ feet. A squirrel-cage fan blows the heated air over the plants. When the fan shuts off, the
radiator puts out very little heat. Any time the winter temperature
drops below zero, Brendle will turn on the oil burner for backup, but he’s had to do that only two times over the last year. The
heated water is constantly circulating, so it doesn’t freeze,
not even when the boiler shuts down completely, which has
happened. The vegetable oil doesn’t gel up because it’s stored in the
heat house, which always stays toasty. The vegetable oil burns
very clean, and the exhaust smells like French fries. When Brendle
first started using the vegetable oil, he kept thinking that
someone was cooking French fries up at the house until he realized the
smell was coming from the furnace. In summer, the heat house gets
very hot because the boiler’s always running in order to deliver
the hot water supply. Brendle’s making the best of this: he’s found
that the heat house is the perfect place to dry things. Since the
vegetable oil doesn’t stink as other fuels would, it doesn’t add odd
flavors to the food he’s drying. He plans to build slots with bread trays that slide out to dry tomatoes, herbs, even ham!

As an American citizen, you have access to many alternative energy options. Your vocal support of renewable energy doesn’t mean anything if you do not take action. There are many forms of alternative energies that will help to make a difference. Get involved with endorsing alternative energy and voice your opinion. Show your support by helping to clean up your environment. The best way to lead is by example, set a good example with your children and your community by caring for the environment.

Use alternative energy in your home and fight to make it known and available to others. The best way to support the alternative energy movement is to use alternative energies. This may not possible on large scales for everyone, but we must start somewhere. When you are building make sure that you think green and you accommodate the use of renewable energy in your building plans. Use forms of alternative energy for at least part of your energy supply. Many affordable home kits are available that produce solar, water, and wind power for your home.

Also, consciously try to use less energy. Using the sun to dry your clothing in the summer is an easy way to save energy and help the environment. Take advantage of light from the sun. Do paper work and reading outside instead of consuming energy by needlessly burning your lights during the day. Replace old windows that might not be sealed right and insulate your home to avoid over using your heating system and burning excess energy. All of these actions are very easy and practical ways to support alternative energy.

Get information about different alternative energy sources so that you can make good decisions. Spend time at your local library or research the subject online. The federal government?s Department of Energy will supply you with all the material you need to make informed decisions regarding the use of alternative energy. Take advantage of their user friendly website or their published literature. Also, subscribe to renewable energy magazines and stay up-to-date on the latest news and events in the alternative energy world.

Join the local organizations that support the use of alternative fuels. There are many communities that have groups getting involved. We must organize our efforts so the government takes America’s need of alternative energy use seriously. No longer can we damage our Earth by mining depleted fossil fuels and building power plants. Play an active role in the alternative energy revolution. Play an active role in the future of our children and of our Mother Earth.

Getting Started
By Phil Livingston
The bulk of our energy comes from coal, oil, and natural gas—exhaustible resources that create pollution when burned and contribute to global warming. Renewable energy (RE) is non-polluting energy that comes from inexhaustible resources, such as wind, sunshine, and falling water. Using more RE and less nonrenewable energy means less pollution produced. Plus, RE can provide personal and national energy security freeing you from a lifetime of utility bills and reducing the United States´ reliance on imported fuels.
________________________________________
Conservation & Efficiency
Many people get entranced by RE technologies—solar-electric (photovoltaic; PV) modules, and micro hydro and wind turbines. But the first focus of anyone wanting to invest in RE should be conservation and efficiency.
Conservation involves changing your energy use behaviors from wasteful, inefficient habits (such as leaving on the lights when you leave a room) to energy-saving ones (turning off the lights every time you leave a room). This is a conscious choice—although you are using the same fixtures, you´re making an effort to minimize your energy consumption.
Efficiency, on the other hand, is reducing energy consumption—without changing your lifestyle—by using efficient appliances. As energy efficiency expert Amory Lovins once said, energy efficiency is a “technical fix.” Using the previous examples, the efficiency solution would be to swap out incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents (CFs), which only use about a quarter of the energy.
Both conservation and efficiency work hand in hand. Apply the basic principles of conservation and efficiency to all of your energy choices, before looking at harnessing renewable energy. It makes very little sense to put PVs on your roof before you have CFs in your light fixtures.
Conservation and energy efficiency are low-hanging fruit, to be picked before moving forward with solar electricity or hot water systems. By reducing your energy demand, you will greatly reduce the cost of your RE systems when you´re ready to have them installed. Every dollar you spend on efficiency measures will save you roughly $3 to $5 on your renewable energy system costs.

In the current situation of extreme energy crisis across the globe, it only makes sense that we look for alternate power solutions. The windmill proves to be an economical option, especially in farms and in the countryside. A windmill may not be the optimum solution in a highly-populated area.

What are the prerequisites for setting up a windmill?
There are two important pre-requisites for a windmill:

? The place where the solution is to be implemented should have an area of at least one acre. It is not advisable to set up a windmill in a smaller area as the windmill blades will not be able to capture enough wind power for the windmill to work.

? The average speed of wind in the area should approximately be 11 miles per hour. It is not advisable to employ the windmill at a site where factors like high-rise buildings and tall towers block the wind. You also need to make sure that the wind speed is consistent at your site.

What are the components of a windmill?
You will need the following components to make a windmill:

? Blades: These blades are responsible for making use of the wind energy. Blades are typically made of wood or plastic.

? Tower: The tower is the pillar that holds the system high enough to be able to use the wind. They are made up of hard material such as poly-vinyl chloride.

? Shaft: The shaft is used to join the blades to the tower, at the same time allowing them to rotate smoothly.

? Base: The base of the windmill is what holds the tower and the blades.

How is a windmill set up?
You will find ready-to-install windmill kits in the market. Consult an expert to choose the one that best suits your place and needs. If you would like to choose the components personally and set the windmill on your own, make sure you seek professional help; a mismatch of size in the components will make your windmill useless.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at www.solar-and-wind.com

and click on the www.Earth4Energy.com Link.

In the current situation of extreme energy crisis across the globe, it only makes sense that we look for alternate power solutions. The windmill proves to be an economical option, especially in farms and in the countryside. A windmill may not be the optimum solution in a highly-populated area.

What are the prerequisites for setting up a windmill?
There are two important pre-requisites for a windmill:

? The place where the solution is to be implemented should have an area of at least one acre. It is not advisable to set up a windmill in a smaller area as the windmill blades will not be able to capture enough wind power for the windmill to work.

? The average speed of wind in the area should approximately be 11 miles per hour. It is not advisable to employ the windmill at a site where factors like high-rise buildings and tall towers block the wind. You also need to make sure that the wind speed is consistent at your site.

What are the components of a windmill?
You will need the following components to make a windmill:

? Blades: These blades are responsible for making use of the wind energy. Blades are typically made of wood or plastic.

? Tower: The tower is the pillar that holds the system high enough to be able to use the wind. They are made up of hard material such as poly-vinyl chloride.

? Shaft: The shaft is used to join the blades to the tower, at the same time allowing them to rotate smoothly.

? Base: The base of the windmill is what holds the tower and the blades.

How is a windmill set up?
You will find ready-to-install windmill kits in the market. Consult an expert to choose the one that best suits your place and needs. If you would like to choose the components personally and set the windmill on your own, make sure you seek professional help; a mismatch of size in the components will make your windmill useless.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at www.solar-and-wind.com

and click on the www.Earth4Energy.com Link.

What are the advantages of solar power?

The solar energy solution is gaining popularity amongst the alternate energy solutions.

? Green energy solution: When you look at the solar energy solution, you will realize that it uses absolutely no fuel other than the sun`s light. Moreover, it does not release into the atmosphere anything harmful.

? Cheapest power solution: First, the energy comes free. Then, the installation cost is a one-time cost. Finally, the investment is recovered within a few years of installation, making the power generated by solar energy absolutely free.

? Convenience of storage: You cannot store conventional power but you can store solar power for future use. The sun`s energy comes to rescue even in the times of darkness! Storing it also ensures a 24×7 supply of power, thus saving you from any power outage.

? Low on maintenance: The solar energy systems are easy to maintain. They do not involve high costs or too much effort, thus letting you reap the benefits of the solution comfortably.

How can solar power be used?
Solar power can be used in our everyday lives by adopting the following solar power systems:

? Solar cooking system: Solar cooking is about cooking without lighting a fire or using electricity! Before you wonder, let me tell you that solar cooking is not about bland food. You can cook in more ways than one ? boil, roast, or bake, cook the way you want! The only demand that solar cooking makes of you is being patient; it is a matter of more than a few minutes. However, it is not asking for too much given that you will get tasteful and healthy food without worrying about paying your gas or electricity bill.

? Solar lighting system: You can now light up the entire house, use every electrical appliance without thinking about cutting down bills. The solar lighting system lights up your house even in the nights, thanks to the power storage feature it has.

? Solar heating system: You can keep your house cozy and warm using the solar heating system without worrying about costs.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Go to www.solar-and-wind.com and click on

www.Earth4Energy.com Link.

What are the advantages of solar power?

The solar energy solution is gaining popularity amongst the alternate energy solutions.

? Green energy solution: When you look at the solar energy solution, you will realize that it uses absolutely no fuel other than the sun`s light. Moreover, it does not release into the atmosphere anything harmful.

? Cheapest power solution: First, the energy comes free. Then, the installation cost is a one-time cost. Finally, the investment is recovered within a few years of installation, making the power generated by solar energy absolutely free.

? Convenience of storage: You cannot store conventional power but you can store solar power for future use. The sun`s energy comes to rescue even in the times of darkness! Storing it also ensures a 24×7 supply of power, thus saving you from any power outage.

? Low on maintenance: The solar energy systems are easy to maintain. They do not involve high costs or too much effort, thus letting you reap the benefits of the solution comfortably.

How can solar power be used?
Solar power can be used in our everyday lives by adopting the following solar power systems:

? Solar cooking system: Solar cooking is about cooking without lighting a fire or using electricity! Before you wonder, let me tell you that solar cooking is not about bland food. You can cook in more ways than one ? boil, roast, or bake, cook the way you want! The only demand that solar cooking makes of you is being patient; it is a matter of more than a few minutes. However, it is not asking for too much given that you will get tasteful and healthy food without worrying about paying your gas or electricity bill.

? Solar lighting system: You can now light up the entire house, use every electrical appliance without thinking about cutting down bills. The solar lighting system lights up your house even in the nights, thanks to the power storage feature it has.

? Solar heating system: You can keep your house cozy and warm using the solar heating system without worrying about costs.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Go to www.solar-and-wind.com and click on

www.Earth4Energy.com Link.

Let us first study the advantages of living off the grid.
? Reduced dependability on exhausting resources: Who wants to depend on public utilities all the time? Living off the grid helps you rely only on your resources and not the ones supplied by governments or corporations. How often have you cursed when faced with a power outage in the midst of some important work or a party? Wouldn`t you like to take charge of such factors affecting you life? With alternate power solutions, you can.
? Freedom of usage of naturally available resources: How would you feel when you don`t have to pay for the power you use? Wouldn`t it be delightful to use as much power as you want without worrying about the electricity meter? You can make use of the abundant power available in the nature to light up your home and make your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to your power quest (well, literally!).
? Reduced power costs, helping save your money: How would you feel if the electricity bills stop coming in your letter box? The alternate power solutions give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the power supply to your home eventually free!
? Making way for a healthier environment: Don`t you bless the people who planted trees years ago not expecting them to miraculously grow? They planted those trees for the future generations. Make the future of your future generations secure by giving them a greener, healthier world. Cut down on the usage of non-renewable sources of energy. Try to use water minimally. There is not much drinking water left for the next generations.

If you are thinking it is not very feasible to live off the grid, look for alternate power solutions and you will be surprised to learn that they are not only cost-effective but also extremely feasible.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Go to www.solar-and-wind.com and click on the
www.Earth4Energy.com Link

Let us first study the advantages of living off the grid.
? Reduced dependability on exhausting resources: Who wants to depend on public utilities all the time? Living off the grid helps you rely only on your resources and not the ones supplied by governments or corporations. How often have you cursed when faced with a power outage in the midst of some important work or a party? Wouldn`t you like to take charge of such factors affecting you life? With alternate power solutions, you can.
? Freedom of usage of naturally available resources: How would you feel when you don`t have to pay for the power you use? Wouldn`t it be delightful to use as much power as you want without worrying about the electricity meter? You can make use of the abundant power available in the nature to light up your home and make your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to your power quest (well, literally!).
? Reduced power costs, helping save your money: How would you feel if the electricity bills stop coming in your letter box? The alternate power solutions give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the power supply to your home eventually free!
? Making way for a healthier environment: Don`t you bless the people who planted trees years ago not expecting them to miraculously grow? They planted those trees for the future generations. Make the future of your future generations secure by giving them a greener, healthier world. Cut down on the usage of non-renewable sources of energy. Try to use water minimally. There is not much drinking water left for the next generations.

If you are thinking it is not very feasible to live off the grid, look for alternate power solutions and you will be surprised to learn that they are not only cost-effective but also extremely feasible.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Go to www.solar-and-wind.com and click on the
www.Earth4Energy.com Link

Among the alternate power solutions, the solar power system and the wind power system are the most popular being less cumbersome. Though wind power is a great idea, not all of us can implement it at our homes because of its pre-requisites. For implementing a wind power system, we need a large area and the average wind speed in the area should be 11 miles per hour. In comparison, the solar power system is easier to implement. All you need is abundant sun light.

The complete solar power system has different components. Most people implement a few of these components as per their needs. Let`s look at the various solar power components.

Solar cooker: The solar cooker is the most popular solar energy system implemented at homes. Let`s look at its advantages:

? Healthy cooking ? The food cooked using a solar cooker is considered very healthy. You can cook for a family of five in a small cooking box at a time.

? Variety cooking ? You can boil, roast, and bake using the same system!

? No fuel – The solar cooker does not use any other fuel other than the sun`s light, thus helping you save power.

? No emissions – The solar cooker neither emits any gases nor does it leave any residue. It makes for the most environment-friendly cooking system.

Solar generator: The solar generator is a device that runs all your electrical appliances using the solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. The solar generator is also referred to as the solar lighting system. The solar generator stores electrical energy in cells for later use. Installing a solar generator at home is a great power-saving and cost-saving idea. Imagine running the electrical appliances without worrying about paying any bills!

Solar thermal system: Implementing a solar thermal system or solar heating system at home takes care of your home`s temperature needs. You can maintain a steady temperature at your house without worrying about bills. Thanks to its popularity, the heating systems will not only suit your budget but also please your eyes. These systems are no longer an eye sore.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at www.solar-and-wind.com and click on the www.Earth4Energy.com Link