Shifting Solutions

There are many reasons to invest in solar power

for your home. Home solar power is better for the environment, saves money in the long run, is better for your health, and provides an educational opportunity for your family. These days people want to make a positive impact on the environment. Using less fossil fuel for energy and solar power is one way to achieve this goal.

The use of solar electric systems also decreases the amount of local air pollution. With a decrease in the amount of kerosene used for lighting, there is a corresponding decline in the amount of local pollution produced. Installing solar roof panels in your home also decreases greenhouse gases. Photovoltaic systems produce electric power with no carbon dioxide emissions.

Solar power also conserves energy. Solar electricity used in the Third World is an effective energy conservation program because it conserves conventional power for urban areas, town market centers, and industrial and commercial uses. The need for dry-cell battery disposal also lessens with the use of solar power.

Wind power isn’t a new concept.

In fact, humans have been using wind power for almost 5,500 years to propel boats. Architects have also used wind as a natural ventilator in buildings since ancient times. Hammurabi, the Babylonian emperor, used wind power for an irrigation project in the 17th century. As early as 300 BC, the ancient Sinhalese were using monsoon winds to power their furnaces. The furnaces would be constructed on the path of the monsoon winds in order to exploit the power.

The first windmills were constructed in Afghanistan in the 7th century. These first windmills weren’t much like the ones you see today. They were vertical-axle windmills with long, vertical drive shafts and rectangular shaped blades. These windmills were crafted on six to 12 sails covered in reed matting or cloth and were used to grind up corn and draw up water. Windmills to grind flour were later used in Northern Europe several centuries later. These days, home wind power can save money and protect the environment. The first modern wind turbines were built in the early 1980s and scientists are currently working on more efficient designs.