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When it comes to large-scale alternative power, hydroelectric plants are currently the most common – supplying more than 80% of the word’s renewable energy.  While hydro power is much cleaner and more cost-efficient than the generation of electricity using fossil fuels, there are a number of disadvantages including the threat of dam failures, disturbance to the natural environment, and some greenhouse gas emissions.

Small hydroelectric power systems, however, create fewer threats and can be an excellent alternative energy source for residential use.  Could small-scale hydro power be a viable option for your home?  Keep reading to learn more…

Small hydroelectric projects are growing in popularity in the commercial energy sector, especially in China.  These plants generally range in capacity, generating up to 10 MW of power – enough to supply a small community.  Small-scale hydro power can also be a cost-efficient alternative for residential, off-grid living under the right conditions.

Requirements for Hydroelectric Power

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To generate power with water, you’ll of course need an adequate supply of water – a flow of at least 2 gallons per minute with a substantial drop to create pressure.  A drop of just 2 feet would require a flow of 500 gallons per minute.  Mother Earth News offers some useful advice on site assessment for your homestead hydropower project.

You’ll also need the necessary hardware to harness the power generated by the flowing water and then convert the energy into a usable current for your home.  A hydro power generator is the heart of the system and can be purchased through a variety of suppliers.  You’ll also need a battery pack and inverter, as well as a sufficient amount of piping.  A complete hydroelectric power system will cost as little as $1000 up to as much as $10,000, depending on your needs.

DIY Hydro Power

If you’re mechanically inclined with a good supply of flowing water nearby, consider trying your hand at a homemade hydroelectric power system.  Build it Solar has a tremendous amount of resources to help with your hydro power planning and installation as well.

For those who prefer to start with a really small-scale hydro system, check out Sam Redfield’s bucket hydro generator – the perfect alternative energy gadget charger – or this faucet powered hydro turbine made of recycled CDs and auto parts.  If a rustic waterwheel is more your style, take a look at the DIY home energy projects we mentioned in a previous post.

If you’re considering an alternative source for residential power, hydroelectric may be an affordable and efficient option if you have a nearby supply of flowing water.  Be sure to look into local and state regulations regarding small hydro power systems before you get started.

Alternative Power: Hydroelectric Potential is a post from: Ecoble

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Wind farm development is playing a huge role in a clean energy future.  While mass wind power may offer a beneficial energy alternative, the construction of wind farms creates a great deal of controversy – from the destruction of natural habitats and dangers to birds and bats to the actual effectiveness of wind as an energy source.  Some even argue that wind farms are ugly, disrupting the scenic coastlines and natural beauty of the world.  Take a look at these wind farm pictures and let us know your thoughts – ugly or simply amazing?

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The San Gorgonio Pass wind farm is one of the largest in California, generating 615 MW of power and comprised of 3,218 turbines.  

The world’s first floating wind turbine began producing energy just a few months ago, installed off the coast of Norway.  If the Hywind performs as expected over the next 2 years of testing, the concept could make offshore wind farm development much more efficient.

Whitelee wind farm went live in late May of this year and is currently the largest wind farm in Europe.  Located in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, the onshore farm includes 140 turbines and can generate enough electricity to power 180,000 homes.

Maple Ridge wind farm is currently New York’s largest wind farm and is located in the rural farming area of Lewis County.  Operational since 2006, Maple Ridge is responsible for nearly 75% of New York’s total wind power capacity.

This alternative energy concept creates an entirely new look for typical wind farms.  Designed by an Arizona State University student, freeway sign wind turbines like these could generate enough electricity to supply a small apartment at low wind speeds and require no additional land usage.

Horns Rev wind park, off the coast of Denmark, was was the world’s largest offshore wind farm when it was constructed in 2002.  The 2nd phase, Horns Rev 2, will push the farm ahead of the present offshore leader.  Still, the Greater Gabbard wind farm currently under construction in the Thames Estuary will be the largest wind farm in the world when it becomes operational in 2011.

The present title holder for the world’s largest offshore wind farm became operational in late 2008 off the coast of Lincolnshire, England. Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm generates power for 130,000 homes but will be surpassed by the Greater Gabbard park mentioned above.

Another of California’s amazing wind farms, Tehachapi Pass is also one of the oldest wind farms still in operation.  Since the early 1980’s, turbines in this area near the Mojave Desert have been upgraded and expanded.  Currently about a dozen different companies generate electricity in the Tehachapi Pass wind farm.

The World’s Most Amazing Wind Farms is a post from: Ecoble

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New ways to integrate alternative energy sources into your home and everyday life are surfacing everyday.  We’ve featured creative off-the-grid gadgets, awesome uses for wind and solar power, and the available options for solar ready homes.  The power of humans is just as reliable – and typically more cost-effective – than other types of alternative energy.  Take a look at these innovative ways to use your own kinetic energy at home…

This concept phone by Kyocera gains a charge the more it’s used.  The kinetic powered phone boasts a space-age design, folding into a convenient wallet size for portability and simple calls.  Space memory technology  allows the keyboard to pop up when in use and to blend flat with the phone when it’s not needed.  Unfolded, the low-energy OLED screen widens making it an ideal phone for mobile media fans.

Designed by Efrain E. Velez for the 2008 Greener Gadgets Design Competition, this creative kinetic energy lamp is a suitable addition to any contemporary home.  Aptly named, the Krank Lamp is constructed of recyclable aluminum and uses eco-friendly LEDs.  About a minute of hand-powered cranking produces nearly an hour of light – the perfect reading lamp after dark!

You may remember the old push-powered floor sweepers?  The Electrolis is a similar human-powered concept, submitted to the Australian Design Award by Ms Neo Amy.  We’re not sure if this floor and carpet cleaner would perform much better than those from the past, but it definitely features a catchier design and is said to be much more comfortable to use, not to mention easier to empty.

The E-Bag may not get much use around the house, but it’s the perfect companion on the go.  Designed by Apor Püspöki, the kinetic powered snack cooler is a stylish bag with a built-in cooling unit and plenty of space for water, lunch, and snacks.  The handle is designed to rotate with movement, capturing energy from movement as you walk and using that to keep things cool.  

Pedal powered creations range from generators to juicers to washing machines and everything in between.  Kevin Blake, a bicycle designer, made this pedal-powered snow plow from an old lawnmower, pedals, and a snow shovel – an excellent eco  alternative to your traditional gas powered snow blower!

Another Greener Gadgets Design entry, the Minute Glass is an exceptional concept for a kinetic powered alarm clock.  No batteries, no cord – and no snooze button, this clock is sure to start your morning on time.  During the night, the clock can serve as a portable night light; in the morning, the alarm sounds to your favorite radio station and doesn’t turn off until you shake it long enough to stay charged until the next day.

Until the Kyocera Eos phone is available, the nPower Personal Energy Generator (PEG) can keep your gadgets powered by human energy whether you’re at home or out and about.  The kinetic powered charger is lightweight and can be carried in a bag or strapped to a bike rather than worn like other chargers.  The PEG doesn’t store energy but will keep your iPod or phone running while you clean or travel.  The charger is currently available for preorder with a price of $149 and includes 2 free adapters of your choice.

Instead of wasting energy to charge your wireless mouse, this concept design converts the movement of the device into power.  The kinetic mouse, created by Natalie Miklosic, ensures a continuous power source wherever you may be without depending on electricity.

8 Amazing Ways to Use Kinetic Energy at Home is a post from: Ecoble

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Solar ready homes are the latest thing in green building standards.  From prewiring to prefabs with solar-ready roofs, there are already plenty of options available.  New legislation, like the recently signed solar ready homes bill in Colorado, will ensure that even more homes can easily make use of solar power.   We’ve compiled a collection of the best solar ready housing options currently on the market…

Sunlight Homes offers custom designed houses with passive solar features, including zero-energy, self sustaining living options.  A Sunlight Home package includes everything needed to build your new home – from SIPs to lumber and fasteners – with an assortment of available add-ons, like garages and hardwood doors.  Once you’ve designed your Sunlight Home, the components are manufactured off-site and delivered to your lot where a local builder will erect the structure.

The Cornell Solar Decathlon House for 2009 boasts an intriguing cylindrical design, featuring a living room, kitchen, bed & bath, and covered courtyard within 800 square-feet of living space.  The sun-powered home is complete with Energy-Star appliances, a fuel-free indoor/outdoor fireplace, and plenty of dual-purpose living options.  Offers are currently being accepted for the creative home with an asking price of $199,000.

We’ve mentioned the intriguing (and affordable) i-House in a previous post – with it’s solar-ready roof and sustainable design, the i-House is a perfect addition to this list as well.  Created by mobile manufacturer Clayton Homes, the i-house is a customizable, solar-ready prefab that is loaded with eco friendly options – including Energy-Star design and appliances, bamboo flooring, and rainwater harvesting.

Michelle Kaufmann is one of our favorite green architects for obvious reasons.  All home designs are solar ready and built off-site with eco friendly materials for maximum sustainability.  The Glidehouse pictured above is available in 1 to 4 bedroom floorplans, complete with environmentally safe finishes and accessories.  Sunshades, FSC certified cabinetry, and water-efficient fixtures are integrated into the design as well.

Possibly one of the first homes designed to be solar ready, John Avenson built this house in 1982 and has enjoyed living in it ever since.  E-star certification was received, with an applaudable rating of 26, in May of 2007 and is still much more advanced than many modern sustainable homes.  When the solar house was built 28 years ago, the southern-oriented roof was designed to accommodate solar panels without protrusions that could interfere with the panel layout.  The Avenson website contains a wealth of information about solar-powered housing.

Solar Village Homes offers several options for solar ready living.  Custom solar home packages include everything from site planning to design to green consulting to ensure the best sustainable materials.  Five different turn-key options are available from Solar Village, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms and up to nearly 2,500 square-feet.  These homes, available in 34 states, can be ready for move in within 2 months and can completely eliminate utility bills.  

Shea Homes is the first builder to join Arizona Public Service Company’s solar home building program.  Solar ready connections were already an option in Shea’s Trilogy community in Arizona so this state incentive was a natural choice.  Shea Homes builds quality communities in California, North and South Carolina, Colorado, Florida, and Washington state as well and offer several eco-friendly options in their houses.

Serving the Colorado area, Prestige Home Builders designs custom homes with solar-ready tile roofs.  Each design is personally overseen by the company owner, meaning only a handful of Prestige homes are built each year.  Floor plans include 2-story models with more than 6,000 square feet of living space, as well as luxurious ranch style homes in various layouts.  

Road Home Builders is helping New Orleans rebuild green with their Sunconomy, high-efficiency homes.  Eighteen different floor plans are available, ranging from cozy 1-bedroom cottages to spacious models with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.  Each home integrates a number of standard green features and are constructed of steel SIPs that can withstand 150 mph winds.  Solar hot water systems and photovoltaics are available as well.

Wisconsin residents can seek the services of award-winning green builders, PEA Builders, for their solar-ready home.  PEA homes are Energy Star and Green Built certified, featuring SIP construction, bamboo flooring, and on-demand hot water systems.  Passive solar designs are available, along with solar panel and geothermal energy options.

Feel free to add your thoughts, comments, and resources for solar ready homes in the comments!

Top 10 Solar Ready Homes is a post from: Ecoble

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Alternative energy sources are the foundation to a sustainable future.  We talk a lot about wind and solar power – for good reason, but there are plenty of other feasible (and not so feasible) options to consider.  In previous posts, we’ve looked at  the potential of tornados as alternative source energy and explored the simplistic awe of human power.  This post will cover a few more alternative power solutions that could play a role in the future of energy – from chicken feathers to ancient mudstones…

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A University of Leicester postgraduate student is researching the viability of 300-million-year -old mudstones as a new source for alternative energy.  The ancient sea deposits are exposed throughout various parts of England and could produce shale gas in quantities 3 to 4 times higher than sandstone reservoirs. 

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The waste heat generated during the cremation process is already being explored as an alternative energy source in Sweden.  The Halmstead crematorium produces enough excess heat to not only keep the building comfortable, but to warm up the entire town.  Other crematoriums are using the dead to warm the mourning as well, including a facility in Manchester, England.

Human power is a readily available and abundant alternative energy source that has amazing potential.  Energy harvesting floors within a Tokyo rail station are turning steps into power – enough to operate the ticket gates as well as the station’s display signs.  Floors that harness the power of people are also in use in European dance clubs.

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Women – especially those with larger chests – can take the potential of human energy a step further with a bra that captures the power of breast motion.  Adrienne So discussed the possibilities of breast of an iPod-powering bra with a few experienced scientists and found that nanowire clothing may not be too far fetched and kinetic-generating straps may be feasible as well.  While an energized bra may be useful, it may not be too comfortable!

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Tiny coal eating bugs could be an alternative source for energy too.  The bacteria isn’t new, but was recently discovered about a mile beneath the ground and can break down coal into methane.  If predictions are true, the bugs could put an end to traditional coal mining. Instead, coal would be exposed to the bacteria and the methane byproducts could easily be skimmed from the surface for use.

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Chicken feathers could have an important role in our sustainable future as well – not directly as an alternative source for energy, but to store hydrogen to power vehicles.  The US produces about 6 billion tons of chicken feathers each year, introducing an extremely cheap renewable resource if the technology proves efficient.  Besides hydrogen storage tanks, the feathers could also be used to make auto parts, circuit boards, and maybe even clothing!

6 Intriguing Possibilities for Alternative Source Energy is a post from: Ecoble

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