When you think of electricity you will probably think of it being blue. This is due to how it appears during lightning storms. During a lightning storm the electric power is enough to cause an electron to bind to an atom. In the process it splits open and emits the color of the photon in the energy. It is also colored by the surrounding air. The atmosphere is made up predominantly of blue; giving electricity the blue tinge.
Of course, green electricity does not refer to electricity that is colored green! It is simply the name used to describe electricity that has been produced without damaging the environment. In fact green energy does more than look after the environment; it can seriously reduce your electricity bills or even eliminate them.
But, before you start installing any of these green electricity alternatives it is essential that you establish an emergency electrician in your area. This will ensure you have the necessary help if anything goes wrong.
Solar Panels
This is by far the most popular option. In fact the solar boom in Australia is likely to double electrical producing capacity!
You may be able to opt to get your electricity from a solar farm. Alternatively you can join the increasing number of people that are putting solar panels on their roofs and even their land.
Solar panels can be connected to your household supply and used in conjunction with your mains electricity. Or you can just use solar panels and batteries and cut the main grid out altogether.
Wind
It is possible to erect your own wind turbine and generate enough electricity to power your home. Of course you need to be in an area that gets a reasonable level of wind and you need permission from the local planning department. There are often objections regarding the look of the turbines and the noise they make.
Hydro Power
This is already used by many of the main electrical suppliers. Water passes through a turbine; turning it and creating electricity.
You may already be benefitting from green electricity if your supplier uses this method to create the electricity. But you’ll still be paying for it.
However if you have your own stream or river you can make it flow through a turbine and create the power you need.
The bigger the drop the better for creating hydro power; put simply the more force the water flows with the more power you’ll be able to generate.
This method can’t be used by everyone but it can be built at home and is a stable source of electricity.
Smaller Projects
If you’re not ready to fully invest in green electricity then you can start with some smaller projects; such as creating your own solar oven. You can even use a solar panel to power specific items and test the results.
Doing green electricity yourself means you can reduce or eliminate your expensive energy bills; that’s as good a motivator as saving the planet.