How is energy made from things such as wind turbines and solar panels?

3 Responses to How is energy made from things such as wind turbines and solar panels?

1. robthegob says:

   May 31, 2011 at 9:03 pm

   a wind turbine is a great big alternator that’s the simplest way to explained it you have one in your car only very much smaller the electricity it then past into the national grid the same way as power stations solar panels are a little more complicated
2. rowlfe says:

   May 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm

   There are two different mechanisms at work in these two devices. The wind turbine is simply a mechanical alternator. It generates electricity using a magnetic field, conductive wire and relative motion between the two. It is simply the same as the generator used in hydroelectric power but of a different physical size with wind providing the motion instead of water from a dam. In the solar cell, there are NO moving parts. A solar cell is much like a battery in that a potential difference is formed between the battery contacts because of a reaction. In the chemical battery, it is dissimilar metals. In the solar cell it is the location of electrons being moved when sunlight falls on them. Regardless of the power source, the electrons which were forced to move are run through converters and transformers to make the voltage and frequency compatible with the rest of the power grid.
3. Aleksandar T says:

   May 31, 2011 at 9:44 pm

   Electric power generated by wind is one of the most efficient renewable power resources available. Many cities worldwide have started to convert to wind power to supplement their energy supply. It is possible to have a green energy supply by taking the time to build a wind generator. Not only are you helping the environment, but also you can save money at the same time.

   It is easy to build a wind generator with the plans and instructions available. By utilizing used auto parts, odds and ends and general supplies from your local hardware store, you can build a wind generator in no time. The materials needed to build a wind generator, the DC motor, batteries, towers and hub, are fairly inexpensive.

   If you are a beginner to the solar electric world, then you may be wondering what exactly solar energy panels are? It is really simple and yet fascinatingly complicated. Solar energy panels are also known as photovoltaic panels; photovoltaic meaning electricity from the sun. Solar energy panels work by collecting protons from the sun, which displace neutrons, and create a flow of electrons or electricity. An inverter converts the power generated by the solar energy panels from an AC current to a DC current making it usable in homes as a direct electricity supply.

   You can use solar energy panels to heat your pool, workshop tools, greenhouse lights and fans or depending on you personal electric usage, your entire home or business. Most solar energy panels are designed to last 30-40 years and require little to no maintenance. Over the life-span of solar energy panels, the energy savings realized by the owner is enough to justify the initial cost of the system and prices are dropping more and more as a larger number of consumers express interest and make the change to solar energy panels or other renewable resources.

   Solar energy panels for small applications can be purchased at your local hardware stores. These small versions are ideal for outdoor lighting, small water pumps and other outdoor tools. If you are purchasing a home size or business size system of solar energy panels it would be best to seek out a local retailer of solar energy panels or a green energy retailer in your area. There is also plenty of information available online about different solar energy panel providers.

   As our traditional energy resources are falling into exhaustion, now is the best time to look in to solar energy panels for your home or business.