- wind turbine generatorwind driven generator image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
Generators have been supplying backup power to hospitals, military bases, schools and homes for many years. Generators are powered by traditional fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil fuel, and diesel. Some green energy alternatives to these generators are on the market now that are extremely sustainable and very quiet, and they can be used for far more than just emergency backup. Most require specific site conditions for efficient operation. The initial price tag in 2010 remains fairly high. - Wind turbines use the wind to turn a prop or a helical device to build up DC (direct current) electricity. They generally cut in when the wind speed is 7 to 10 mph, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The electricity generated either must be used as it is being generated or the wind turbine can be connected to a DC storage system that will store the electricity to be used later. If the battery bank is full, the generated power can be used instead of the normal grid power.
Homes are powered using AC (alternating current). The DC wind-generated power is converted through a DC-to-AC electrical converter for use in the home.
These systems are a clean alternative to generators. The general price range in 2010 is $6,000 to $20,000, depending on size and type of the wind turbine system. - Photovoltaic solar panels collect the sun's radiant energy and convert it to electricity. The electricity produced can be tied directly into the grid. However, a photovoltaic system feeding a DC battery storage bank is a great alternative to a generator, because it is constantly being recharged. Even when it is cloudy, the solar panels still catch some of the sun's energy, making this a constant source of energy.
As with wind turbines, the electricity produced by the solar panels is direct current, so using the electricity requires a DC-to-AC converter.
A photovoltaic solar-storage system is a clean alternative source of backup electricity. These systems cost between $10,000 and $50,000 in 2010. - If you live next to a river or stream, you can use the natural flow of water to create your own electricity and store it with a DC battery bank system. The newest water turbines are vertical, and are far less expensive than the historic tradition of rerouting a stream's water over a dam. The turbines produce electricity just as a wind turbine does, storing the DC energy in a DC battery bank system.
These systems require little maintenance, and engineering has reduced installation costs. However, the initial cost of the water turbine in 2010 is around $20,000. The complete systems cost between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on the size and type of the storage system.
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