Solar Power - Energy From the Sun
In one form or another most renewable energy comes to us from th sun. Solar power is the energy from solar radiation that reaches the earths surface and then through the use of clever technology is converted into useable and storable energy. There are 1000 watts of solar energy hitting any given square meter of earth, so sun power is abundant and free!
The use of solar panels with photovoltaic cells and battery systems would be considered active solar power. Designing living spaces to maximize solar angle using glazing, shading, mass, and ventilation to take advantage of fly-wheel temperature shifts is called passive solar. Combining these approaches can create a very comfortable living space which is inexpensive to maintain.
Solar power can provide heat, light, hot water, electricity and even cooling. When OFF-GRID Solutions designs a renewable energy system, priority is always given to maximizing the benefits obtainable from the sun. Passive and active solar power should be at the heart of every renewable power system.
Wind Power - Energy from Moving Air
Created by the uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun, wind is simply air in motion For hundreds of years we have been harvesting wind energy for water pumping to grain grinding. Today's wind turbines can even create electricity.
Wind power can be used in stand alone applications such as water pumping or combines with a photovoltaic system for a well balanced and integrated renewable energy power system. The availability and reliability of wind power varies significantly from location to location. Expert services from OFF-GRID Solutions in evaluating whether wind power will be cost effective for you or not is invaluable.
Bio Power - Energy from Organic Matter
Containing stored energy from the sun, biomass is organic materials made from plants and animals. Ever since people started burning wood to cook food and to keep warm, we have been using biomass energy or bio energy. Biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels or bio fuels for transportation.
Through a process called anaerobic digestion biomass such as animal manure produces a gas - methane, which can be captured and used as a great renewable source of natural gas. When methane is used to generate electricity, this is what OFF-GRID Solutions calls bio power! Power applications that currently use propane are excellent candidates for a methan bio energy solution.
Hydro Power - Energy from Moving Water
Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and converted into electricity. This is called hydroelectric power or hydropower, mechanical energy that is derived by directing, harnessing, or channeling moving water.
Micro-hydroelectric power or small hydro power systems can produce enough electricity for a home, farm or ranch. Hydroelectric power can be integrated to a household system even if there is not an obvious moving body of water nearby. Power can be generated or recovered through a system installed with irrigation or water pipes where quantities of water flow. Seriously looking at water conservation and grey water recycling techniques is another oportunity to create sustainable use of our earth's scarce and precious clean water resources.
Geothermal Power - Energy from the Earth
Heat that is generated from the earth is called geothermal energy. All over the earth's surface the shallow ground or upper 10 feet maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60 degrees farenheit. Through the use of active and passive technologies we can tap into this resource for heating and cooling.
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