PV Gap

Heidi Said:

how do i check for fraud?

We Answered:

check to see if that is a legit business, find out what state they r doing business in (home state). check with the BBB and pull anything u can find. find out how long they have been in business, talk to competitors, the Internet is a wealth of info.

Dale Said:

Wind Generator Kit for children?

We Answered:

I don't know what country you are from so I will answer for the UK ... Maplin Electronics have cheap (no soldering) wind power kits.

If you are from another country find a hobby electronics store and ask them about kits like this - they are very common items.

Good luck

Everett Said:

home wind power kits?

We Answered:

Wow! Laurie M is exactly right, and speaks with great wisdom. Wind power is really tricky, and requires expert knowledge from initial design to pouring the concrete. Besides, there are few places in the country where the average wind is really high enough to give you useful power, and yet calm and predictable enough to keep from destroying costly equipment.

Solar is much more practical if you must have an alternative source of electricity. Much easier to design and develop a workable system at home. In any case, unless you have a really good knowledge of electrical and mechanical things, you will need expert help. Your state government, or that of an adjoining state, probably has an alternative energy or solar energy center that has a web site. That will be your starting point. If you can't find them, call your county agricultural extension agent.

Good luck!

NOTE: "Gabe" went a little over the top. Any homeowner with basic DIY skills can do much of the work involved in installing a solar/inverter/battery system, with some help from the manufacturers and your local electrical inspector.

Electrical engineers are indispensable, but don't let one intimidate you into thinking you can't do a job like installing solar panels. They are heavy, but not all THAT heavy. Any normal truss or rafter and deck roof will handle the weight. If some extra bracing is needed, any well-adjusted carpenter will know it, and can do it.

I have a science education and a lifetime of experience remodeling houses. So when I retired, I built my own passive solar house with a solar/inverter/battery system, and it all works great. I developed a good relationship with the county electrical inspector, and followed manufacturers' specs and recommendations, and it all went together like a dream.

David Said:

Is there a way to convert all or part of my home's power source to wind power?

We Answered:

You best check first with your city building zoning codes before you invest in it. My cousin had to remove his windmill because it created a lot of noise for his neighbors.

Solar electric panels (photovoltaic) are getting popular but it's a bit more pricey. Make sure your electric company will let you run their meter backwards when you are not using the electricity.

If you haven't gotten a solar hot water system yet, consider a thermosiphon type system. It requires no pump, and no electricity to make all the hot water for your home.