Renewable Energy ( Solar & Wind Energy)

I've been involved with solar energy for over 20 years! But not lately, however I try to keep up with it. Actually before that I built passive solar homes 30 years ago.This is a great field, but the main thing is that you must build this into the new home or office! Retro fits aren't that piratical, because of the voltages! If you want to install solar panels on your roof or in your yard and have an electric company that pays your for what your out put is then it's ok. but for your own use,the power produced by wind or solar panels is 12 volts! Every thing you use is 110 0r 220 volts this is where the problem lies! Your house is wired for 110v. the things you use would have to be adjusted to 12 or 24v. this is what they use in the large RVs you see, The best is to build the unit in a sun favorable orientation! You can incorporate the passive solar applications along with solar water heating panels and solar electric panels on the roof! The hot water is great and free! heating the home, laundry, showers and baths, hot tubs, doing dishes! All free! Have a well on the property and run the pump with solar power! Using the electricity requires storage ( all this applies to wind power) for off times of no generation! The storage is normally Batteries! his is your power horse! You can convert the power to anything you want but if you go to 110 volts you deplete them rather fast! You can up them to 24v. and they will last, but running a refrigerator or Air conditioning unit and a washer and dryer require a lot of power, this is the draw back on this system as it stands! But you still save a lot of money using the system! I'm planning on building a solar adobe home in Mexico very soon! tdemex

They certainly are good alternatives and are easily available. The technology of solar cells continue to develop and they are becoming more efficient now compared with the earlier models. The wind powered generators are efficient too and can be made even by handymans good in using his tools. enjoy life!