Carl Brahe
When we think of renewable energy for our homes our first thought is probably of solar panels on the roof. Solar technology improves continually, The efficiency of photoelectric cells has recently more than doubled. The highest efficiency cells, not yet on the market, are now 41.4% efficient. The cost of solar panels has dropped by 50% since 2007, according to Reuters',and will continue to drop in the near future. Rebates, tax incentives and no money down leases make these systems more affordable and coming technology like solar shingles and spray on solar film my make it even more attractive. Solar electric technology gets most of the spotlight but there are other alternatives available now or in the near future.
Fuel cells, like the Bloom Box, are becoming more common as they are mass-produced and the price drops. Bloom Box claims they will soon market a fuel cell that will power an average American home for $3000. The fuel cell will use many common forms of fuels like natural gas, diesel and biofuels. The always available feature of fuel cells means that it will be easy to get off the grid.
Peizo electric devices produce electrical current when they are physically stressed. In Japan a train station uses the pressure of foot traffic through turnstiles to produce electricity in a test to determine the reliability of the system and how much electricity can be produced. An Israeli company is testing peizo electric roads. Their system will produce power from the impact of cars driving on the surface. They believe that less than 1 mile of four lane highway can produce enough power for 2500 homes. Piezo electric clothes will power personal electronics in the future.
A technology that is often overlooked for home use is wind turbines. Wind turbine pricing has gone down in the past few years. There are many small wind turbines available that can supply an average home with all their energy needs for the cost of a few years of gas and electric bills. Most of us have only seen wind turbines with huge aircraft like wings mounted on high towers or posts. Few people want these monsters in their back yards, but newer, smaller wind turbines are being made around the world that are increasing efficient, affordable and artistic. In areas, like the Colorado mountains and plains wind turbines can be a viable choice. Denver has enough wind that a downtown night club has installed wind turbines to supplement power for daily operations. Wind flow through urban areas is deflected and channeled by buildings creating patterns that make it difficult for traditional wind generators to work. Newer designs allow turbines to be driven by shifting winds from all directions. Some of these units can be mounted directly to roof tops. Most small, single home turbines can be mounted on the top of a telephone pole. . Wind turbines can be works of kinetic art. Searching for images of “urban wind turbines” brings results that might surprise you. This is where art meets technology to produce beautiful and practical works of art that pay back daily.
Here’s a few:
Aerovironment AV Inc
One wind turbine uses lighter than air technology to float above a property needing no pole or tower. Another system has built-in towers and is just tipped into place on delivery. Newer wind turbines solve the ugly factor involved in installing renewable energy sources in your home. These systems are quiet, reliable, bird friendly and getting cheaper. Small wind turbine technology will continue to improve and drop in price. It is an alternative worth considering if you live in a place where the wind blows a sufficient amount of time. Contact your local alternative energy contractor or green technology school for information.
