Alternative Sources of Energy
By semicolonp
@semicolonp (518)
Philippines
May 12, 2009 11:05pm CST
Is it possible to create a home-made alternative source of energy in our country? I've been mulling over this a lot (since the fees we have to pay monthly just keep on piling) and tried to look for tutorials online. They've been pretty helpful, if a little convoluted for my non-engineering mind, but one key ingredient in a solar power creation (for example) are the solar power panels... which I'm having a hard time trying to find.
So, do any of you have an idea on how this can be done? Have you ever thought of doing something like this? If you know anything, it'd be a great help. Despite the fact that the weather's turning rainy, soon, I think having the ability to make one would benefit me in the long run.
Any thoughts?
4 people like this
8 responses
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
13 May 09
I heard that the components of a solar panel is quite expensive and that makes solar paneling not practical to some.
Another alternative power that is being touted is the use of methane gas - energy from animal or any biological garbage. Some farms successfully utilized their animal manures for the electricity they need in their operation.
Well, if you are in a good windy area, wind mills are much cheaper to built than solar panels. However, it takes longer time to determine the feasibility of wind energy.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38148)
• Philippines
22 Mar 10
Yeah I heard of the methane gas and I even saw one farm on TV that converts the waste it produces to methane gas and used it to power the farm. Although they still use power from the grid lines they have minimized its consumption thus reduced their billings to more than half the amount they used to spend. What I only see in that kind of source is the possibility that a leak may come out and accidental explosion of it may cause far more damage to your property if that happens. Methane is highly flammable item to have in your home.
As to Wind power I guess it depends on the place where you are living, there are just places that winds are not strong enough especially in urban areas where wind is blocked from running naturally in your area. I am more inclined to use this over the other as they seem to be pretty harmless putting up a windmill to generate power. Though being in a typhoon stricken area I would need to dismantle it every now and then to save it when strong winds do occur.
@BishounenNerd (373)
• United States
13 May 09
Actually, there was this conspiracy theory I heard. Some guy tried to do the same thing you're thinking about. I think he successfully made a hydrogen fuel car in his garage or something. Sometime later, though, he got abducted, because big oil found him out and didn't want him selling these things to the public. Regrettably, it's been a while since I heard the story, so it's probably not 100% accurate, but the main idea is someone wanted him gone for what he was doing. I don't know if that is true or not, but be careful. Watch your back.
@semicolonp (518)
• Philippines
13 May 09
From what I heard (lol, hearsay), the Filipino scientist who was able to invent a different source of fuel for cars waited years for the government to sponsor his invention because — obviously, it's an excellent invention that would not only help our country during these oil-price hike times, it will also reduce pollution and gave honor to the country as the originator of this fuel source, right?
But the government and DOST (was it DOST? Some government branch that deals with inventors and their inventions) were pressured by the oil companies not to mass-produce it. Or something.
Mine is simply for personal use, though, and I'm pretty sure there have been some solar-powere -something- being sold on stores, so I'll be fine.
/conspiracy theorist corner xD
@rsa101 (38148)
• Philippines
13 May 09
So far Solar Power is indeed the next best thing to getting virtually free power from the sun. Unfortunately we could not just build it on our own. Technically we have to have the know how and the money to buy this equipment and the price right now is quite high and not affordable as of yet.
I also am dreaming to have one someday but it is just not affordable as of the moment.
@ratyz5 (7808)
• Philippines
14 May 09
That would really be a very great idea. I don't know why the country hasn't really utilized the power from the sun when it has already become known for a long time. I wish we could put solar panels on our roof and we'd save energy if that happened (^_^ )
@arkansos (545)
• India
13 May 09
For this, you need to mention where you live. The set up for solar panels is pretty expensive initially. Frankly it will take a lot of effort to hand build a full blown solar panel for powering. You need to build stabilizers, inverters, battery chargers... Many companies would set up solar panels for a fee. If you live in the US, no big deal, other countries, well it depends. You can generally find contacts in Electronics Magazines( and I mean real electronics, not consumer electronics)
@24Champ (465)
•
17 May 09
Regarding the manufacture of solar panels, I understand that there is a facility for the purpose somewhere in Biñan, Laguna and in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. I think I saw some solar panels in Cagayan Valley and in Pangasinan, too.
As the previous posts said, wind is another alternative source of energy. I learned that there are windmills in Ilocos Norte and in Batanes.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
13 May 09
The real problem with solar and some other forms is that they use more energy in their manufacture than they produce in their lifetime.
Biodiesel from used vegetable oil is the way to go
all the best urban
@mylesnarvaez (5451)
• Philippines
13 May 09
hi! department of energy partnered with some microfinance institutions in delivering solar energy to areas not yet reached by electricity or where electrical power is limited. to cover for the costs of upkeep and maintenace of the project, there has to be a minimum number of subscribers to such solar panels. i don't know how far the outreach is right now and where are the targetted areas. or whether it would be available to individuals in city proper or towns with ample supply of electricity.
