User Comments

1. 

   1/06/09

   hambuild

   It would be my pleasure to join this group. I've taken some rudimentary classes at our local community college on wind, solar water heating, photovoltaic and look forward to discussions in this group. As a green builder, I need to be informed on the products and practices of these "future is now" technologies. Not so I can install and maintain these systems but educate my clients.
   Thanks!

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   1. 

      1/06/09

      DIYRenewableEnergy

      Welcome hambuild,
      
      Since you are a green builder we are sure you will add a lot a value to this group.
      
      Thanks again for joining!
2. 

   1/06/09

   FHI

   I was looking to put a turbine up in my backyard but we live in an area that does not get much wind. Since solar panels keep getting better and better I keep holding off on getting them---other than my large collection of solar lights and gadgets.
   
   I had planned on solar heat this winter but we are going to hold off until next year.

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   1. 

      1/08/09

      cdoussett

      I do live in a high wind area and have thought about putting up a turbine as well. I found a great site with plans to build your own for very little cost. My parents decided to try it (they live on an original homestead in Alaska, totally off-the-grid: solar panels, wood-burning stoves, outhouses, back-up generators, you name it). After three failed attempts (one where the turbine fell on the house and did some damage), they decided to hold off for now. Still would love to try it though:)
      
      grassrootsmothering.blogspot.com
3. 

   1/06/09

   donssite

   I've always been interested in the "free" energy sources such as solar and wind, just wish I could afford the technology to harness them. Someday maybe.
   
   
   Thanks for the invite,
   donssite.com

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   1. 

      1/10/09

      DIYRenewableEnergy

      You know donnsite, there are various ways to get around spending thousands of dollars on a professional installation.
      
      -It is rather easy to make a home wind turbine with basic parts, but obviously the more effort and time you put into building it, the longer it will last.
      
      -Solar panels can be built for very little too. There are numerous places where you find "broken" solar cells, that still have some life in them, and that can still be used. These cells are usually just sold as scrap, so you can get them for very little.
      
      What we find is usually people get overwhelmed when wanting to make their own power. They think that with their first attempt that will get off the grid.
      
      But it does not work like that - start small, and build a wind turbine or solar panel that perhaps only powers a lightbulb or 2, then move on the scale up to larger builds.
      
      Once you've mastered making a basic wind/solar power system, that knowledge helps you to scale up as much as you want.
      
      So, start small, then take it from there.
      
      Tim
      DIY-Renewable-Energy.com
4. 

   1/09/09

   BiolleyBuzz

   Thank you for the invite! Hubby and I look forward to suggestions, tips and insider info!

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   1. 

      1/10/09

      DIYRenewableEnergy

      Pleasure Food2gro,
      
      What kind of tips and suggestions are you looking for?
5. 

   1/10/09

   DIYRenewableEnergy

   @ cdousseet:
   
   Yes, the home made wind turbines tend not to fair very well in high wind conditions, since they do not have an automatic safety mechanism that shuts them down when the wind get too strong.
   
   What we recommend you do is always have a way of shutting down the turbine in stormy conditions, and make sure it is fastened properly to the roof, with strong supports!!
   
   While erecting the windmill on a pole is safer, the turbine will catch more wind on the roof.
   
   This is because the roof acts as a channel, where the wind speeds up as it flows over the roof. And with more wind, the turbine spins faster. This can have a negative impact like your parents experienced if the wind is too strong.
   
   So bottom line is - have safety measures in place, and nobody will get hurt.

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6. 

   4/19/09

   ChewedUpandSpatOut

   Hi,
   
   Today I blogged about being active on a committee organizing an energy fair in my community. I innocently brought up the topic of hemp being a renewable energy source....mind you I am just learning about renewable energy.
   
   Well...the subject matter was not welcomed.
   
   I wrote about it today in my blog...I would really like to hear what other people think on the topic...please stop by and leave comments:
   
   Uh-Oh....I Said Hemp chewedupandspatout.blogspot.com/

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7. 

   8/07/09

   DIYRenewableEnergy

   To keep up with the times, Trudy and I have finally decide to join Twitter. You can follow us at twitter.com/diyrenewenergy

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