Which is the Best Alternative Energy Choice For Novice DIY Enthusiasts – Solar Or Wind?

I’ve seen my title question posted on several DIY home improvement forums lately and I believe it’s a valid concern that should be addressed by experienced alternative energy DIYers. There’s a lot of interest in do-it-yourself kits and home made renewable energy solutions by people from all walks of life and many of them are searching for guidance. Those who are venturing into home-built off grid solar energy and wind power solutions for the first time should realize that, like everything else, these systems have up and downsides that need to be considered. This article briefly reviews some of these.

The list below covers some of the major pros and cons surrounding home solar energy and wind power generators (excluding the obvious and tediously overstated points that these systems utilize renewable energy, don’t pollute while operating and reduce carbon footprints.):

DIY Solar Pros:

• Noiseless Operation
• Safe To Be Near Properly Installed Panels
• Relatively Easy To Build And Install With Basic Understanding Of Electricity And Wiring
• Downloadable Technical Guides And Online Support Available For DIYers
• Minimal Maintenance Required
• Minimal Space Requirements/Good Sense Use Of Roof Areas
• Low Cost Recycled Components Available
• Good Power Output With Multiple PV Panels
• Time Tested, Proven And Popular Technology
• Renewable Energy Tax Credits May Be Available

DIY Solar Cons:

• Basic Understanding Of Wiring And Electricity Needed
• Requires Consistent Direct Sunlight Away From Shaded Areas
• Subject To Hail & Bird Damage/Breakage
• Not Well Suited For Long Winter Northern Climes (Limited Daylight/Heavy Snow Removal)
• Multiple Panels Needed To Fully Power House And Maintain Charged Batteries
• Roof Mounted Solar Panels May Lower House Resale Value
• Permit And Inspection Required In Most Locales

DIY Wind Pros:

• Relatively Easy To Build And Install With Basic Understanding Of Mechanics/Electricity
• Downloadable Technical Guides And Online Support Available For DIYers
• Can Be Built From Low Cost New And Recycled “Other Use” Components
• Good Power Output Attainable
• Time Tested, Proven Technology
• Does Not Detract From House Curb Appeal/Resale Value
• Attractive Alternative Energy System For Owners Of Rural Lots/Acreages/Farms
• Renewable Energy Tax Credits May Be Available

DIY Wind Cons:

• Proximity Noise May Be A Problem For Home Owner And Neighbors
• Spinning Blades Can Be Lethal To Birds And Tree Squirrels
• Subject To Damage Or Collapse From Severe Wind Conditions
• Requires Open Space Free Of Trees And Utility LInes To Operate
• Sufficient Yard Area Needed For Stabilizing Guy-Wires
• Proximity Hazards If Improperly Grounded
• Regular Maintenance Required
• Power Output Limited By Turbine Size/Power Train Adequacy
• A Basic Understanding Of Mechanics And Physics Needed
• Not Suitable To All Locations – Consistent Wind Days Required
• Not Popular With Some People Due To Noise And Hazard Potential
• Permit And Inspection Required In Most Locales

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of these renewable home energy applications and the significance of proper construction and installation. For many experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts the pros of both solar and wind power outweigh the cons and drives the spirit of experimenting with alternative home energy technology. For the first-timer the cons can certainly be challenging and quite daunting, but learning new skills and applying them for one’s benefit is what DIY is all about. If you are a DIYer (seasoned pro or brand new) with the motivation to reduce or eliminate your dependence on public utilities, and you are up to the challenges, then building and installing your own solar and/or wind energy systems can be a highly rewarding project. The best advice one can give is to do your homework, create a well planned system design and seek out help when you need it.

There are several very good and inexpensive DIY solar energy and wind power guides available on the web which will lead you step-by-step through your project. I urge everyone who wants to build and install their own home energy system to select a guide, study it well and use it as the foundation of their project. Two of the popular guides that I recommend are linked below for your convenience. These are two of the best in terms of detailed instruction and video quality but there other ones on the web which you may prefer. Be safe, be smart and most of all enjoy your DIY home energy projects.

Faine Morrison is a DIY home improvement enthusiast strongly bent towards saving money and going green when and wherever possible. If you enjoyed reading this article please take a moment to post a comment and twit this. And, if you share the author’s penchant for DIY home improvement and sustainable energy you’ll benefit from checking out these links: DIY Solar Panels And Wind Turbines and DIY Alternative Energy Solutions which are two of the do-it-yourself guides he recommends. Contact Author

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