Alternative energy projects
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One of the most popular topics in libraries and on the internet is how-to information on alternative energy projects.
This is true for both adults and kids. It is becoming more and more evident that we need to change how we look at our energy sources.
Scientists have been talking about the damage we have been doing to the environment and people are becoming more aware of the situation through the media and movies such as Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”.
Climate changes and global warming are happening due to the over use of fossil fuels which causes the release of carbon dioxide into the air and the accumulation from year to year is extremely damaging.
Click here for instructions on making your own solar panels.
If we continue on the path we are on the changes in our weather patterns will become more and more extreme causing the extinction of many animals and plants as well as the oceans infringing on the land and causing the loss of a lot of our coastal cities.
As a people we need to look to alternative energy projects such as solar and wind generated power to try to slow and reverse the damage we have done to the planet.
To take part in changing our environment, you can take a look at various alternative energy projects and decide which ones appeal to you.
One path to take is to build your own solar system with parts bought at any hardware store. There are many books and lots of information on the internet.
Here is a quick overview on making your own.
Solar cells can be purchased from quite a few stores as well as over the internet.
You might try an auction site. A rule of thumb is 36 cells to give an output of around 18 volts.
Be careful when storing your cells as they are quite fragile.
Keep them safe while you get the rest of the panel set up.
The first thing you need to make are wooden frames to put the cells in.
Measure the cells carefully and draw a diagram laying them out in a pattern such as 4 across and 9 down to figure out the overall size of the frame.
The frame needs to have a lip for the cells to rest in. Be sure to measure carefully so the cells fit snugly in the frame.
Pegboard is a great backer for the frame and can be found at any hardware store.
The front of the solar panel needs to be protected by a glass sheet.
It’s best not to use plexiglass as it will scratch and discolor making your solar panel very inefficient. Lay the cells on the wood in the best arrangement for spacing.
The cells need to be laid out and soldered together and then wired in series.
That is the basics of making your own solar panel.
There are many more types of alternative energy projects that can also help the environment.
Windmills have become a popular alternative and there are many books on the subject of building your own.
As well, you might want to consider solar collectors such as concrete walls painted black and water-heating roof panels.
Some of these projects are great for kids to get involved in to help share the knowledge of alternative thinking.
The next generations are the people who will need to deal with the problems that we have already started and the best way to start changing things is to get them involved on home projects to help them understand what it means to start taking care of the planet.