LinkBlog: alternative+energy

A growing resources for alternative energy ideas and inspiration.

Here is a quantitative analysis of a solar grid-tie system in Michigan. Very informative.

Use this tool to estimate the optimum number of batteries needed in the design of your solar electric system. After you load the calculator, use Save As... in your File Menu to save the tool on your computer.

Download your own copy of an estimator that helps you decide how many solar panels you'll need based on parameters you give it. After downloading you can 'Save Page As' in your file menu to save it on your computer.

Experimenters setting up and knocking down temporary PV systems is one thing. Permanent systems need to be durable, safe, reliable, and constructed in such a way that others can figure out how everything is connected. The National Electrical Code has much to recommend on PV system installations. This link takes you to an indispensable source of information for installing a PV system that is up to code.

A most excellent source of information about lead acid batteries and their maintenance.

A rich source of alternative energy information

We can't depend on our government leaders to address the crucial issues of energy and global warming. We must find leadership elsewhere, and this organization has very solid, hopeful ideas that can help us realize a sustainable future.

The April 2006 issue of Earthtoys has an article about the Grid Charger Voltage Switch that you might find informative.

An impressive collection of links to people who are improving energy utilization and reducing pollution. Solar, wind, home, auto, geothermal, biofuels, methane, veggy oil, insulation, passive... This is inspiring!

See what your wind resources may be.

These battery chargers are the best I've found for utility powered backup when bad weather keeps your solar or wind production down. When used with the grid charger voltage switch, Iota chargers can safely keep your battery bank charged AND they're powerful enough to keep your inverter running its normal load.

A very cool wind turbine calculator. Input the rotor properties, size, and windspeed. Outputs the power output of the wind turbine.

Information on how to create your own solar, hydro, wind, tidal, geothermal or other green power.

Windstuff Ed is a pioneer in the home-built wind energy field. His site is full of ideas, kits, projects, and information.

Discussion board on alternative energy and home built energy production