| Solar Wind Power - Combining Two Technologies to | | | | areas where heating and AC costs are a significant |
| Achieve Energy Independence | | | | portion of your electric expense, solar may not be able |
| The power of the sun is responsible for producing | | | | to supply all your electrical needs because of limited |
| solar energy and wind energy. Humans have been | | | | roof space and cost. Combining renewable energy |
| using solar and wind energy in some form since | | | | technologies to provide all your electrical needs may |
| ancient times for illumination, warmth and power. It took | | | | be a better solution. |
| modern man a long time to figure out how useful | | | | The Wind Solution |
| renewable energy is; it's been quite a long and dirty | | | | Wind energy is now efficient at wind speeds of 7-10 |
| road. Had we expanded the uses of renewable | | | | mph. The Small Wind Industry has been working hard |
| energy instead of fossil fuels, think about how the | | | | to develop solutions for homeowners and they have |
| world would be different. Fortunately, we have that | | | | been successful in eliminating many of the problems |
| opportunity now. | | | | that face the Large Wind Industry. When choosing |
| First Things First | | | | wind as an option, the most important consideration is |
| You might choose solar energy or wind energy as | | | | the wind speed over your house. There are no wind |
| your preferred renewable energy, but you could use | | | | charts that can provide you with this information; you |
| them in combination to maximize your energy | | | | need to measure this to make sure your situation has |
| production and minimize your investment. Before you | | | | all the right elements. Your particular wind situation |
| choose any solar wind power, minimizing your energy | | | | depends on the trees and large structures surrounding |
| consumption is your single biggest opportunity for | | | | your home and changing the wind patterns. This will |
| savings. A professional home energy audit will reduce | | | | cost a few hundred dollars and a few months of |
| your energy usage. The recommendations could save | | | | measuring. Knowing the wind speed will help you make |
| you thousands of dollars and give you insights into your | | | | a better choice and one that results in the most |
| best options for renewable energy. Taking this step | | | | efficient wind turbine output. |
| saves you twice, in the short term you will see | | | | Teaming Up Solar and Wind |
| decreased energy bills and as your purchase your | | | | Combining solar and wind to supply your electrical |
| solar wind power, you will need to purchase less. | | | | needs may be your best option if your electrical usage |
| Definitely a step worth taking. | | | | is higher than either technology alone can affordably |
| The Solar Solution | | | | provide. Certainly evaluate each option separately first |
| Solar energy could be your total energy solution if you | | | | and then your options as your combine technologies. |
| store your excess in batteries. Now you will have | | | | Your best option is to find an energy consultant that |
| energy to draw upon at night. However, you may not | | | | has experience combining solar and wind. |
| be ready to go for a total energy solution, but want to | | | | You have decided renewable energy is your next |
| supply a portion of your energy. That is possible with | | | | step. Your home energy audit provided you with lots |
| solar panels and net metering. You will still be | | | | of opportunities to save energy and your changes |
| connected to the electrical grid, but in the event you | | | | have resulted in reduced energy usage and costs. |
| produce more than you need, you will receive a credit | | | | Now, take your time to evaluate solar wind power. |
| or your electric company will buy your excess energy. | | | | Combining these technologies may provide you with all |
| Solar is a good option if you live in a sunny location and | | | | the electricity you need at a lower cost than either |
| your heating and air conditioning costs are moderate. In | | | | technology alone. |