News Archives

Free Solar DIY Experiment Kit For Kids – Develop STEM Concepts With Renewable Energy Sources Early

✅ 3 in 1 solar powered DIY experiments for kids aged 7-12 years
✅ Clear assembly manual to follow
✅ Teaches young minds science, logical thinking, and detailed fine skills
✅ STEM education to budding talents in solar energy and mechanical imagination
✅ Teaches kids teamwork and learn to play, developing interest in STEM

✅ Best 4 In 1 Solar Power & Electric Motor STEM Kits

Great results, needs assistance with assembly – The screwdriver is sub-par, but you won’t knock a star for that. Definitely helpful if the adult has some electronic experience, but the motors, wires, connectors, solar panels, battery holders, all that stuff works. The components are also robust enough that it will at least function when you finish building it. Instructions are just pictures, but not hard to follow.

Hoping to get your kids’ budding minds a head start in STEM education and develop the fine mechanical skills of your little engineers? Here’s the perfect gift for incubating the young’s imagination and science skills! For free!!

By teaching young minds from a young age the importance of renewable energy and getting the fun from assembling their own setup, their engineering and creativity get to be inspired and open up to new possibilities in the future.

Cultivating a deep sense of problem-solving skills, logical reasoning and self-confidence is important for a child’s well-rounded development, and this experiment kit is just all you’ll need! Solar power is also essential in educating child’s mindset toward green technologies and renewable energy sources.

With practical experience and knowledge behind it, take the first step in building a solid foundation of teamwork and STEM skills with your child.

Get Free Solar Kit Now!

Everything You Need To Know Before Installing Solar Powered Air Conditioning 2022: Harness Sun Power To Keep Cool In Summer

If you live in a city or township which gets plenty of sunlight, it will be an excellent idea to harness solar power in order to cool your home.

Thus, if you live in London or Limerick where it rains a lot, investing in a solar-cooled house will probably not give you a good return on your investment.

When you decide to go ahead, one of the most important things to do is to have someone conduct an air conditioning inspection for your place.

In most cases, you will probably refer to a licenced electrician to perform this air conditioning inspection. This type of inspection will not only ensure that the air conditioning system works.

It will also ascertain that the correct electrical system is in place for you and your neighbour’s safety.

Having someone independently conduct the air conditioning inspection for you will also make sure that the technician involved will be able to spot your possible errors. This will be hard or impossible to do if you would rather perform your own inspection.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Get This Great Deal

✅ Best Nikota Solar Charger Kit 100W 18V Solar Panel Folding

GREEN & RELIABLE POWER – environmentally friendly power source can generate electricity for many kinds of devices; a good pal for your outdoor trips and indoor emergencies. Solar panel is waterproof and safe to use outdoors. Durable material that is safe and reliable in bad weather and when you go fishing, camping, hiking, and boating.

In addition, most residential areas have ordinances with regards to using alternative energy. By far, the easiest way to accomplish your project of converting to solar energy for your home cooling needs is to do it system wide. This means that you will totally rely on solar energy for all of your power needs.

Of course, doing this will mean totally disconnecting the mains as your source of electricity. And when it comes to this matter, some cities might not allow the convenience of being able to flick a switch in order to reconnect to the mains if your solar power source goes bonkers.

It being better to err on the side of caution, you will definitely need a professional involved both in terms of the technicality of setting up the whole thing as well as the legal ramifications of the matter.

Just to give you a basic idea of just how much solar power will be required for your project, a solar panel about the size of a brick exposed to the sun for say, three hours, will only give you about half an hour of actual electricity.

Benefits Of Bigger Panel

Therefore, you will need a much bigger panel for the job, one that can easily cover your home’s entire roof. So another important question to ask yourself is how much is your total electrical consumption over a full 24-hour cycle.

If you answered 1,000-watt-hours, then four window-size roof panels will each have to generate 250-watt-hours or one-fourth of the total consumption in a single day. This calculation is based on the assumption that each panel can generate and store four hours’ worth of sun time.

And don’t forget, your system needs to be completely safe and durable to last you for at least a few years to a decade.

Obviously, harnessing the power of the sun to lessen your reliance on the mains will need a lot of rethinking and hard work. However, many households around the world have accomplished what you are thinking of doing.

With patience, perseverance, research, and a lot of thinking, utilizing the power of a relatively small star in the Milky Way galaxy is no longer an impossible dream.

Reasons Why You Should Deep Cycle Batteries For Solar Panels – Going Green To Save Green 2022

Deep cycle batteries are a great way to add to your green agenda. While probably best known for their use in storing energy generated by solar panels, these power sources require less maintenance, last longer and are cleaner than regular batteries.

Highly versatile, they are being utilized in more and more applications, allowing people to reduce their carbon footprint and their dependence on fossil fuels.

A look at how batteries work will help you understand how these durable, cost effective power sources are playing an important role in alternative energy and green technology.

Electric Battery

Batteries do not create energy; they store it. The real difference between a deep cycle and a starter battery is its purpose. A starter battery provides a huge surge of energy to start a car engine.

These batteries are then recharged using the automobile’s alternator. They work well for cars, but not for equipment that requires a constant power supply for longer periods of time. A deep cycle battery is designed to give a long-term charge.

It also releases power consistently to prevent it from being drained too quickly. It is designed to use up to 80% of its stored energy, providing a longer period of usage. This gives the deep cycle battery much greater versatility for environmentally safe applications.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Get This Great Deal

✅ Best DEEP Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Battery

High quality SLA battery with great capacity – Excellent battery that has more than enough capacity to run inverter and battery charger to top off car’s battery. Holds the charge fairly well and easily recharges using 60 watt solar panel. Nice carry handle makes it easy to transport when using as a power source for portable ham radio transceiver.

Solar Panels Environmental Friendly

One great environmentally friendly application of deep cycle batteries is their use with solar panels. During a sunny day, solar panels power electrical equipment while diverting some energy to batteries.

After the sun goes down, the batteries pick up the slack and keep the power source consistent. This eliminates the limitations of solar power and offers a great complement to alternative energy sources!

Another advantage of using deep cycle batteries is their durability. The fact that they distribute power slowly over time makes them efficient and versatile. They can be used to power small residences or recreational vehicles the same way traditional power methods work.

They last for years, making them a good investment over other types of power. Also, thanks to dropping battery technology prices, high efficiency models that require almost no maintenance are becoming more and more affordable.

Thanks to all these factors, this type of power source is replacing gasoline-powered generators at ever increasing rates.

And since they work so well with solar panels, they afford two bonuses – they make using a renewable resource more convenient by storing power while making many forms of fossil fuel power less desirable.

Going green and saving green go hand-in-hand. Reducing consumption of fossil fuels that power everything from the lights in your home to the lights in your car what the green movement is all about. The entire world is focused on ways to reduce the use of carbon based fuels.

Deep cycle batteries are being used in more common applications. They are popping up in planes, cars, and trains. Given the versatility, economy and environmental friendliness of deep-cycle batteries, they are sure to be a big part of future green power solutions.

About the Author

Deep Cycle Batteries – Going Green to Save Green

by Stephen Daniels

Searching for green, socially aware solutions to power your world? If so, it’s worth your time to check out Impact Battery. They offer an excellent selection of deep cycle batteries as well as many other battery types, and a portion of the proceeds from your purchase is set aside for charity.

4 Fun And Unique Solar Powered Consumer Products You Should Get Your Hands On 2022: Upgrade Your Solar Gadgets

If you’re a regular visitor to this site, then it’s likely that you are invested not merely in the idea of harnessing solar energy to preserve the environment, but are also interested in the burgeoning culture that surrounds solar energy in general.

Of course, even though we may advocate for solar energy in terms of public policy, we can also show our support by “buying solar” as it were. While this site features many solar-powered products, if you are looking for fun and interesting solar gifts, look no further. The following are 4 fun and unique solar-powered consumer products…

Solar/Electric Scooter

Get This Product Now!

✅ Best Road Use Electric Scooter

Good for kids – it goes up to 10 mph; that doesn’t seem like a lot, but on a scooter it is. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to put it together. This is mostly assembled when you get it and “idiot-proof”; all you have to do is insert that handlebar rod into the base and you’re done! Took maybe 5 minutes to do that. Highly recommend! Great price!257 people found this helpful

Its official title is the mouthful, “Hybrid Electric Kinetic Photovoltaic Vehicle,” and it’s one of the first fairly speedy bike-like vehicles that use a combination of solar and electric energy to charge.

It’s foldable, too, so it’s essentially the perfect little scooter to get you from point A to point B in and around your vicinity. It can fit in a suitcase and emits zero greenhouse gasses. If there is not enough sunlight when you need to charge the HEKPV, you can simply plug it in.

Solar Curtains

Although not available to mass consumers yet, solar curtains are a concept being developed primarily by architect Sheila Kennedy. The idea behind solar curtains is that they function as traditional curtains, blocking out undesired sunlight, while also capturing the sunlight and harvesting its energy for future use elsewhere within and around the house.

Bonsai Tree Battery Charger

Perfect for home or office decoration, the bonsai tree battery charger can be arranged by the user in whichever way she likes. The tree branches hold solar panels, and the tree can be hooked up to various electronics, operating as an energy-efficient charger.

Solar Powered Fan Hat

On some scorching hot summer days, sometimes wearing just a cap is not enough. While you’ve doubtlessly wandered around a music festival or amusement park with a tiny electric fan in hand, slathered in sunblock and wearing a baseball cap to protect your face, why not combine protection and comfort? The solar-powered fan that does just that.

Mounted atop the cap is a solar panel that effectively powers a fan inserted in the bill of the cap. This way, your face, and head get protection from the sun, while the fan cools your face. This is the perfect gift for an energy-conscious outdoor enthusiast.

A Light For All the World: Companies Are Helping With Solar Power As The Energy Source For Underprivileged Regions 2022

The greatest advantages that solar power can offer are not in saving money for families dwelling in over-developed urban communities. Solar power is making its most substantial impact in isolated, underprivileged regions across the globe.

These regions experience the most benefit from acquiring low-cost power in areas where electricity and applicable technologies would otherwise be unavailable.

Many organizations are making it their specific goal to develop programs to cultivate the products and innovations that increase the standard of living and life expectancy for those who would otherwise suffer in these regards.

Project Solar Light Fund

The Solar Electric Light Fund is thinking bigger than the individual. Their projects aim at empowering communities. The Solar Integrated Development Model (SID) understands the value of the “village.” Three guidelines for growth are allowing this program and its participants to thrive in new and exciting ways.

The first of these principles is Self-Help. The people in the participating communities determine the breadth of the project. Their priorities regarding how the integration of solar power will be used is of the highest concern. Self-Reliance is also greatly emphasized.

The solar systems are purchased and owned by the individuals living in the community. These acquisitions are achieved through microcredit financing, allowing each family a partnership in a community-owned asset. The final principle is Self-Determination.

Communities achieve independence by installing and maintaining the systems themselves. Both men and women receive training in these procedures. Initial project funding allows for additional parts and labor concerns over time. This project essentially operates solely based on the needs of the community and their commitment towards their own success.

Sun Danzer

Solar power in the form of international development also calls for the integration of critical utilities with solar energy. Solar freezers and refrigerators have been of great importance for developing locations throughout the world. Models produced by Sun Danzer are finding a wide breadth of users and applications.

This equipment is in great demand by universities who have established outreach programs throughout Africa. The fridges are used for more than just food storage as well. Lives are being saved with the ability to store vaccines and other medicines.

Solar refrigerators meant for medicinal purposes are operating at the highest level of sophistication in regard to development. Unlike other models for refrigeration, these units require no batteries or power cells. They are stand-alone units that rely on only one solar panel.

Many versions of solar ovens have also been valuable contributions to impoverished African regions. The equipment being put to use around the world is gaining attention as new and emerging designs continually receive the approval of the World Health Organization.

Companies such as Voltaic Systems are committing large amounts of their resources to these humanitarian efforts. Solar bags are just one piece of technology that is allowing solar power to be mobile and versatile.

These backpacks are outfitted with a flexible solar panel that allows for charging hand-held electronics or operating laptop computers. on the move.

Starting at just under $100, the technologies are becoming increasingly affordable. Other technological advances making “the grid” unnecessary for isolated communities include solar battery chargers and high-capacity solar lights.

These projects and innovations are extremely encouraging for those that are concerned by a growing energy crisis throughout the world. Large manufacturers such as GE and the Ford Motor Company are keeping close eyes on the potential inherent in this booming area of research.

Sources:

http://www.solartown.com/blog/2012/06/solar-power-for-international-development/
http://self.org/ (Solar Electric Light Fund)

This article was composed by Henry Wiggum, a freelance writer and blogger who concentrates on alternative fuel possibilities, renewable energy sources, eco-friendly living, solar power, wind power, and other similar areas; for those looking to take the next step in solar power, Infinite Energy sells solar power in perth.

How Much Power Can You Get from Solar Roofing Panels? All The Data You Need To Know 2022

The US Energy Information Agency has estimated that the average U.S. household uses 11,000 Kwh per year or about 30 Kwh per day.

Solar Panel Output

How much power can you get from solar roofing panels? This will depend on the efficiency of the panel’s solar photovoltaic (PV) cells in converting solar light energy into electrical energy.

The efficiency of a panel is defined by a complicated formula that assumes optimal sun exposure. An 8% efficient panel will require twice the area of a 16% efficient panel to produce the same output.

Although, we often hear of marvelous advances in solar cell technology in the laboratory, the commercial solar cells available today represent the current state of the art.

Commercial solar roof panels average 14% efficiency and produce about 14.4-w/sq ft (155 w/sq m). Standard solar roof panel sizes are about 13.5 sq ft., and each panel produces about 200 watts. Wholesale prices for these panels average about $1 per watt.

Is That What You Get?

That is a lot of power if you can utilize it cost effectively. Actual panel power output will depend on your homes geographical location, roof orientation and the chosen solar power system. Is your goal a completely off-grid system that fulfills all your electrical energy needs, or is your goal a grid-tie system to decrease energy bills?

The amount of yearly sunlight available across the continental U.S. averages about 5 hours. The northeast sees only 4.2 hours of full sun, but the southwest enjoys 5.5 hours. Assuming an average of 5 hours of sunlight, a 200-watt panel would produce 1 Kwh/day or 365 Kwh/year. Panels sell for about sunlight.

Solar System Type

For an off-grid system, a Derate Factor must be included that adjusts for the efficiency of an off-grid solar power system in transferring panel output to your home outlet. A common value used is 0.77. Therefore, a 200-watt panel will ultimately produce only 154 watts – 281 Kwh/year.

In a grid-tied solar power system simpler set-up, power goes straight to your utility meter. The power generated from your solar panels goes into the energy grid and offsets the cost of power you use during sunless hours. With this direct connection, a grid-tied system does not suffer from this loss.

Costs

Assuming your home uses the U.S. average of 11000 Kwh/year, an off-grid system would require 40 panels spread over 540 sq ft of optimally oriented roof space. Cost for panels would be about $7800. With an off-grid system, you would need inverters to convert the power to AC and batteries for storage. A complete off-grid system could easily cost $20,000.

A grid-tie system would only require 30 panels. With an inverter to connect to the grid, a grid-tie system would cost about $12,000 and – in theory – totally offset your energy bill. However, a grid-tie system can be scaled down to only offset a portion of utility costs.

According to the US Energy Information Agency, the current average price of electricity is about 11.3 cents per Kwh resulting in a monthly bill of $103.67 or $1,244.04/yr. However, the variation in cost of electricity by location is greater than for the hours of sunlight and may be a more important variable.

The necessity for government incentives probably shows that solar energy simply has not reached the ROIs making them practical for the majority of homeowners.

Should You Go For Solar Shingles? The Photovoltaic Cells That Resemble Traditional Roofing Bricks: Everything You Need To Know 2022

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells that are designed to resemble conventional asphalt roofing shingles. They not only look like roofing shingles when they are properly installed, they also perform like roofing shingles.

They are completely weatherproof and have the advantage of being able to produce electricity. Solar shingles are completely eco-friendly; they do not radiate heat, make noise, or emit greenhouse gases.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Get This Great Deal

✅ Best Jackery Solar Saga 60W Solar Panel For Explorer

EASY TO CARRY & KICKSTAND INCLUDED – Weighing at only 3.3lb, this solar panel is foldable and handy with a TPE rubber handle. The kickstand leans on an angle that makes the solar panel to easily soak energy from the sunlight.

The Appearance

Many people would like to utilize solar energy to reduce their energy expenses but hesitate to add solar panels to their roofs for two main reasons. The first reason is appearance. The large panels are unsightly and detract from the overall aesthetics of the house and garden.

The other main reason is the way they are installed. The roof envelope needs to be pierced to bolt the panels to the structure, which could allow water to leak through the roof and compromise its effectiveness.

Solar shingles are installed in the same manner and with the same tools as regular roof shingles. They are weatherproof and provide excellent protection. The color blends with regular asphalt tiles, but even if the color is different, it does not detract from the beauty of the house as much as a traditional solar panel would.

Profiled solar shingles are being developed that fit exactly with regular profiled shingles. Today, the S-shaped profile shingle is available. It is flexible, durable, and recyclable.

The solar shingles are connected to the ones on either side and in this way they are all connected to an inverter placed inside the home by a licensed electrician. This changes the electricity from DC to AC, which makes it useable for traditional appliances.

The Cost

Solar shingles will lower the electricity bill of any house, but the savings for an individual homeowner will depend on the cost of electricity in their area. The house will still be connected to the existing power lines, which will work if there is not enough light to power the shingles.

On the days more electricity is produced than the residents use, the balance can be sold back to the utility company for credits in 39 states. There are specialized solar shingles being produced for places in the north that don’t have as much sunshine as places in the south.

Solar shingles do not need direct sunlight to produce electricity, they only need daylight. This is a big boost for cloudy days.

Because of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, there are generous federal tax breaks for installing solar power. The initial installation cost can also be rolled into a mortgage in most cases. Even before tax breaks were given, the cost of installing solar energy was reducing every year.

The initial cost of installing solar shingles could be anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000. Local, state, and federal incentives can reduce the cost by up to half.

Added to this, the electricity bills will be reduced by 40 to 60 percent. With the rising cost of electricity, homes that have a substantial number of solar shingles will greatly increase in value.

Solar shingles allow homeowners to take control of their utility bills. Whether they are supplying half of the electricity needed or supplying much more than can be used, the electricity bill will be greatly reduced.

This alone is enough incentive to install solar shingles, but with the federal tax credits and state and local utility discounts, the potential savings over the years is substantial.

How To Clean Solar Light Panels?

How To Clean Solar Lights And Panels? The Guide To Get The Best Output By Keeping All Equipment Spanking Clean.

Solar lights and panels have become very popular sources of lighting and electricity. Not only do they increase functionality by providing light or electricity inside and outside your home, but they look attractive as well.

What you may not realize is that solar lights and panels need to be cleaned on a regular basis, as it keeps them working properly and looking their best. If you are wondering how to go about cleaning solar lights and panels, the following tips can help.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Get This Great Deal

✅ Best InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer & Protectant

This works great! That’s all you need to know. – Chemical Guys interior quick detailer spray cleans, conditions, and protects interiors, and only leaves behind a gentle baby powder scent. It’s safe on plastic, vinyl, leather, glass, and more making it perfect for LCD navigation screens, steering wheels, and seats. Bye-bye, finger smudges.

Gather Your Materials

The process for cleaning both solar lights and panels is not overly difficult, provided you have the right materials and instructions. For solar lights that are found in landscapes everywhere, you will need only warm water, soap, and a soft, lint-free cloth to efficiently clean them.

When it comes to solar panels that are found on roofs, you will simply need warm, soapy water and a few soft cloths or towels. A soft mop may also work well depending on the size of your solar panels. When you have gathered your materials, you are ready to proceed with the cleaning process.

Cleaning Solar Lights

If you have solar lights in your yard, you should check them every couple of weeks for dirt, rain buildup, and grime. If you find that your lights could use some attention, all you have to do is remove them from the ground and follow a few simple steps. After your lights are out of the ground, take them apart carefully.

First, disassemble the light fitting by either twisting it apart or removing the screws. Since solar lights vary, this step will depend on the type of solar light you own. Once the light fitting is apart, gently clean the light fixture with a soft cloth that has been dampened with warm, soapy water, avoiding any wires or circuits.

Never submerge any portion of the solar lights in the water. Next, wipe the solar panel portion of the light with the dampened cloth and pat dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Check any batteries for oxidation buildup and if you notice some, either brush it off gently with a toothbrush or replace the batteries. When the lights are clean and dry, reassemble them and place them back in the ground.

Cleaning Solar Panels

Although solar panels look vastly different than solar landscaping lights, the process for cleaning them is fairly similar and quite simple. The first step is reaching the solar panels on your home. If the panels are very difficult to access, leave the cleaning to a professional cleaning service.

If you can reach them safely, you can easily clean them on your own. All you need is a bucket of warm, soapy water and some soft towels or rags. You can also use car-washing mitts for cleaning. Simply wipe the solar panels down completely and scrub gently to remove any dirt, grime, or bugs.

Follow with a towel that has been dampened with water only, as this will prevent any streaks or soap buildup from developing. Pat each clean solar panel with a dry towel and you are done.

Now that you know how simple it is to clean both solar lights and panels, you will be able to keep yours functioning properly and looking great. Just remember to check them every few weeks, so you can remove any dirt or grime before it is too late.

Top 5 Solar Power Products For Your Home – Revolutionize Your Household Staples With These New Gadgets 2022

Whenever you mention anything solar, most people just think about solar panels that go on the roof. Solar panels are great for the home, but there are a lot of other products out there that do amazing things.

This article is going to praise five of these other products with the adulation they deserve. Some products are really useful while others are just fun.

Mobius Solar I phone 4 Charger

The iPhone 4 and 4S are amazing phones, but many people think they would be better off with a stronger battery. While Apple isn’t going to do much about this anytime soon, there is one thing you can do to improve your iPhone’s battery life whether you are home or on the go.

The Mobius Solar iPhone 4 Charger is a small solar panel that fits on the back of your iPhone. It charges your iPhone, and the manufacturer promises that it will double the battery life.

If you don’t want to charge your iPhone in a regular dock or connect it to your computer, then this is a great alternative way to charge your iPhone.

Soulra XL Speaker System

Everyone likes music, but all music systems are either plugged into the wall or they run on batteries. The Soulra XL Speaker System is one of the first speaker systems to run entirely on solar power.

You can play music from your iPhone or iPod while charging it at the same time. There are eight speakers in the Soulra XL and the sound is amazing.

Nokero N200 Outdoor Light Bulb

Most houses keep their lights on all night to dissuade robbers, and to make it easier for people to get around the yard. While this is usually safe, it tends to waste a lot of energy throughout the year. One way to cut down on costs is to use the Nokero N200 solar light bulb.

This is an outdoor light bulb that takes in the sun’s rays during the day, and it shines during the night. It is also built to automatically turn off in the presence of bright light. This allows it to keep the charge for when it is needed.

The light bulb is rated to last 1.5 years, so the lighting expenses are very cheap.

Nature Power Solar Pest Repeller

There are similar products around that get rid of pests, but most of them run on batteries or electricity. This product runs entirely on solar power, and it is very effective for removing pests from your yard such as moles, groundhogs and rabbits.

This is a stake that you place into the ground. There is a solar panel on top that is responsible for catching the sun and storing the energy. The stake will send out an ultrasonic sound every 30 seconds that makes sure all nearby pests run away from your house.

The stake can remove pests, but pets will be fine. This is a great product for anyone that hates having to chase away pests from garbage cans or gardens.

Prestige Solar Address Light

Every house needs a number on it, but seeing the number can be so difficult from the street. A great way to make this easier for friends and family members, and to look unique while doing it, is to use the Prestige Solar Address Light.

This is a panel that stands 17 inches high and it lights up the front of your house with your number and street address. It looks amazing, and it’s just fun to have out in the yard. Best of all, the lights are powered by solar energy. If you want a unique way to mark your house, then this is one of the best ways.

Conclusion

There are many solar products out there, but most people just think about solar panels that go up on the roof. These products are all useful around the house, and they can save on energy costs.

Whether you are looking to save money or use fewer resources, these solar products are some of the most interesting items you can pick up. Just try them out and you will see how fun solar technology can be.

Power Source Options For Off-Grid Cabins: Alternative Renewable Energy For self-Sufficiency 2022

It’s becoming more and more common in today’s technologically advanced society for people to gravitate towards a lifestyle set in nature–one that doesn’t depend on the rest of the world for any day to day needs.

Known as off-grid living, this back-to-basics way of life is not only independent–it’s earth-friendly as well. Off-grid cabins that have power don’t get it from utility companies–they’re powered by green power sources that conserve energy and in the long run, save money as well.

If you’re wondering how you can get your own power in an off-grid cabin, read on. Featured below are three excellent off-grid power source options.

Hydropower

Hydropower is a very green source of power, as long as you have a continually flowing water source such as a river, creek, or stream on or near your property. A hydropower system takes water run-off from a dam and uses a turbine to change that water into usable energy.

Once the falling water spins through the blades of the turbine, the usable energy is carried into your home via a generator. You need free access to a moving water source in order for hydropower to power-up your cabin, so it’s important to check with your local DNR before investing any time or money into a hydropower system.

Solar Power

Solar power is the most popular power source for off-grid cabins. Unlike water, there’s no regulations placed on sunshine–and it’s almost always readily available regardless of where you live. To get solar power in your cabin, you must install a system that consists of solar panels, batteries, and an inverter.

A fairly large system is required if you want to be able to use large appliances–and while the initial investment might seem rather hefty, it is a system that will save you a lot of money down the road. Solar panels capture sunlight in special cells known as photovoltaic cells.

The solar panel system then transforms the absorbed light into energy for your cabin. There are many systems available if you want to use solar power, so it’s important to figure out what you need and compare all of your options before you decide which system would be the best one for your cabin.

Wind

Another option for powering an off-grid cabin is wind power. Wind is turned into usable energy in a fashion that’s similar to hydropower systems–only using wind instead of water. The turbine rotors of a windmill or wind tower spin as wind passes through them.

This rapidly moving energy then enters into a generator that is situated inside the wind tower. From there it goes through the power lines and into your cabin.

Wind towers work great providing there’s enough wind to keep them going–they’re efficient and cheap once the initial investment is paid off.

The location and size of your cabin, along with the amount of power you expect you’ll need are the main factors you should consider if you’re trying to determine the best power source option for living off-grid.

While one may be a better option for your situation than another, any of these options will save you money and allow you to live free and green.