Wind energy has been used for centuries; this industry has drastically evolved from the simple use of traditional windmills for menial mechanical energy to now driving large scale, modern, and sophisticated turbines for electricity generation. Wind energy has become a major potential player in the power sector. Wind farms are now being developed on a larger scale, as the benefits of wind power generation are being more widely understood. Wind power projects can be of a small, individual scale where the owners of the wind turbine use the power for internal uses or of a much bigger commercial scale where energy is distributed to the public for profit.

Wind turbines in a wind power project create usable energy by basically transforming the kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical or electric energy. These turbines are placed on towers that are at least 30 meters tall, if not higher. Rotor blades propped on wind turbines propel with the force of the wind in motion and create a powerful rotational energy. This energy is converted into electric energy in the generator and channeled into high voltage transformers. Finally, the electricity is fed into the grid, then becoming available for use either directly by a single consumer or through a utility for more widespread usage. The function of these grids is to transmit and eventually distribute energy to commercial power providers, homes, farms, buildings and the like.

The productivity of a wind energy system depends on a variety of factors including the speed of wind at a given location. Also taken into consideration when planning a project are the visual and noise impacts possible at the given terrain/ location. Therefore, it is common to find larger wind projects located in windy, remote areas where they can be as unobtrusive and productive as possible. The electric energy generated is then transmitted to places near and far, where it is needed and consumed.

Like other resources such as the sun and fossil fuels which are used for energy creation, wind systems also use a generator to convert mechanical energy into electric energy. Thus, the actual journey of electricity from the generation source (in this case at a wind farm) to a place of use is similar to that of any other energy generating mechanism.

When the power is transported in collaboration with utilities, this electricity is transmitted to distant locations through massive overhead high voltage transmission lines. The power produced at generating plants is typically between 2,300 volts and 30,000 volts, depending on the size of the plant. It is necessary for the power to then be stepped-up at transmission substations to anywhere from 110kV to 765kV, for the overhead long distance transmission lines. Transmission is done through transmission grids. The transmission lines in the electricity grid are like the ‘freeways’ in a transportation system. In order to facilitate proper distribution and usage this power is then transferred to a distribution grid. The distribution lines act as the ‘local roads’ in a transportation system. This switch from the transmission phase to the distribution phase takes place at step-down transmission substations. It is at these substations that voltages are reduced to those suitable for distribution (3.3 to 25 kV), and the power can be directed to multiple lines. Separate distribution lines are used for standard and higher voltages. Finally, the power finds its way to homes, buildings, and businesses through these very lines.

Solar energy water heaters are one of the most effective solutions for residential and commercial water heating. According to research and surveys, water heating is the second largest energy consumer in your house. When considering the selection of any solar water heater there are considerations that should be made regarding appropriateness to determine the best solution. Several factors you should consider in selecting any water heating system are given below:

Size: The storage size and point of usage should be well defined and appropriate Price and operational costs: The cost of the device, maintenance costs and the operative costs should be known before the installation of any water heater Quality of material used: The quality of material used for solar energy water heaters should be solid and durable. Look for units that are primarily made from copper, bronze and stainless since these elements will stand the test of time. Brand: The best brand appliance should be chosen for avoiding any problems related to technology or other issues Repairing and availability of spare parts: The appliance should be easily repairable and there should be no problem in getting the spare parts should any issues arise Available features: Make sure any unit considered has features for handling water quality such as sediment or scale.

The many benefits of solar heaters include; 1) renewable energy source, 2) cost savings, 3) reduced carbon footprint, and 4) you will be producing your own energy. Solar heaters are great for water heating, space heating and any other form of heating.

Tankless heaters or instant hot water heaters work on demand to provide the warm or hot water, when necessary. The main benefit is the lack of tank. Claims are made about very high efficiency but the primary efficiency advantage is eliminating standby losses. This is generally a small (about 15%) portion of the energy consumed. Other features of instant hot water heaters include nonstop hot water supply, size and flexibility during installation. There is a list of many manufacturers for the instant water heaters. Tankless water heaters can be used for commercial and residential water heating systems. Tankless units can be powered by gas or electric although the electric units generally have significant flow limitations.

Gas water heating appliances are built with vent systems. The most common type of venting has the heated exhaust gas exit via convection up through a vent in the roof. The hot exhaust gases are vented preventing fumes in the home and is replaced by fresh air in the building. This happens without the use of any electric power. Power venting of water heater is similar to the direct venting models and it makes use of the assistance for mechanical exhausting the combustion to the outside. Power venting can enable gas water heaters to be located in a location where they are then vented horizontally rather than vertically.

Within solar energy water heaters there are models that come rated as Energy Star models. The EnergyStar models provide enhanced performance, lessened costs, reduced pollution and frequently qualify the owner for grants. The Energy Star models require a higher SEF (solar energy factor) than other models. The energy star models have to supply greater than 50% of the heated water from the sun. Studies have shown solar heaters are the most efficient way to heat your water both from an energy use standpoint as well as minimizing the carbon footprint. Solar heaters in colder climates are all indirect type heaters since the fluid that flows through the solar collectors is not the same fluid that comes out of the faucets in the home. All of the principles of solar heating are the same whether the load is small (residential) or large (commercial/industrial). The efficiency, economics, and environmental benefits are all there but in a larger scale. If anyone has an interest in saving money, being a better environmental steward, or more comfort they should consider solar heating.