Small solar/wind system?

Question

Is there a solar or wind energy storing system I could us to power small devices/appliances throughout my house? Not obviously the whole house, nor things like ovens and fridges, I just mean plug-in things. I don't want to involve an electric contractor, so I guess I just need some batteries, alternator, converter and panels/turbine itself...anything out there like this?

Answer 1

WInd is not practical unless you live out in the country.  The need to be high abouve the ground and other buildings to work properly.  Lots of zoning problems in the city.  

You can buy solar panels, batteries and an inverter and set it up.  You just can't wire it into your home's electricity without an electrician.

Answer 2

My local auto parts store has a sale on a solar panel to charge a car battery and for powering similar voltage items. It sells for $99. I was thinking at that price I could buy several and hook them up to boost the voltage to power other things. I`m using one to power this laptop I`m using to post this message right now and works like a champ.

Answer 3

You do need to involve a contractor if you're going to do re-wiring.   If nothing else, there is a switching box that needs to go between the solar or wind power source and the house, and you need professional help to install this.    You will also need to know what size/capacity batteries and how many you'll need.

Answer 4

There is a lot of different types of setups If you are looking for a starter kit look at harborfright.com   (key word solar panel)

links below might help my setup http://www.cvvhf.org/kb9pjl/greenside.ht...