Archive for September, 2010
Grid Tie Inverters For Solar Power Systems
Anyone who makes use of solar or wind power systems for their home should look into purchasing a grid tie inverter. This device will let you sell any excess power you have to the utility company.
The 1978 Federal Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) states that everyone in the US has the right to sell renewable energy to their local utility. This law was introduced in response to the 1973 Arab oil embargo and is equally relevant today.
If you use solar panels or wind turbines, chances are you already have a standard inverter, which functions to convert DC electricity to AC. Inverters also convert the 12 or 24 volt electricity your installation is generating to 120 volts. Although inverters are an ordinary part of any system using renewable energy, you can’t use just any inverter to sell energy back to the grid. At 120 volts and 60 cycles per second, the AC electricity that comes from a power inverter is more or less the same as that which comes directly from the grid. However, it’s likely that the two sources of electricity are out of phase with one another. If your inverter’s electricity is cycling up when the grid’s is cycling down, sending your electricity there won’t be possible. A grid tie inverter will ensure that your inverter stays in sync with the grid.
Grid tie inverters offer other features as well. Electricity always flows from higher voltage to lower voltage. This is the principle under which battery charging, for example, operates. The electricity flows from the charger, which outputs at high voltage, to the battery, at lower voltage. This is why battery chargers have a higher voltage count than the batteries they’re intended to charge.
This means that, if you’re hoping to send your electricity back to the grid, it has to be at a higher voltage than the electricity on the grid. This is another area in which a grid tie inverter comes in handy, as it keeps track of voltage levels as well. Your excess higher voltage electricity will go out to the grid, and your power meter will run in reverse.
The special functions of a grid tie inverter make it more costly than a standard inverter. The opportunity to actually make money using your renewable energy system, though, means that a grid tie inverter is a worthwhile investment. Anyone using wind or solar energy should strongly consider going with a grid tie inverter.
The idea of off grid living appeals to many people. If you are interested, take a look at Off Grid Living.
If you need information about the components of solar power system, visit Solar How To.
If you need the best DIY solar charger guide, please visit DIY Solar Charger.
Originally published here.
Eric Moore became interested in renewable energy after building an electric powered bike. Shortly after he began riding the bike to work, he thought, why not recharge the bike’s batteries with solar power and commute to work completely free and totally pollution free. He then created a website to share his experience and knowledge with others. For many more articles about home solar power visit: Home Solar and Wind Info.
Sunforce 44447 900W Whisper Wind Turbine
The Sunforce 44447 Whisper 100 900 Watt Wind Generator uses wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Constructed from lightweight, weatherproof cast aluminum, this generator is also a great choice for powering pumps or charging batteries for large power demands. With a maximum power up to 900 watts or 60 amps, this device features a fully integrated regulator that automatically shuts down when the batteries are completely charged. The 44447 is virtually maintenance free with only three moving parts, and the carbon fiber composite blades ensure low wind noise while the double-sealed ball bearings guarantees a smooth, clean charge. Assembly is required, but this generator installs easily and mounts to any sturdy pole, building, or the Sunforce 44455 Wind Generator 30-Foot Tower Kit.
The Road To Kilimanjaro
Teri Goudie, Lisa Stafford, and another Hinsdale friend Patti Orler, will hike and climb for a full week to reach the 19,500 foot summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sometimes in extreme cold, with no heat, beds or showers, it will be a demonstration of women helping women.
Published Sep 25, 2010.
Read more: ABC 7 Chicago