subject: Off The Grid Power Sources [print this page] Our lives in cities are intricately tied to our power grids. We are attached to our outlets like never before. These great power networks keep our food cold, our houses warm, they light up the night, and even keep some of us alive. But what happens in modern times when we are away from these life giving grids. What can be done when we are away from the comforts of civilization. Technology provides an answer for these situations as well. In fact half of these solutions have been around for hundreds and even thousands of years. So read on to learn about off the grid power sources.
Solar Panels
The first power source we will discuss also happens to be the newest to the scene. Solar cells have been around since the 1880s and have gotten progressively better ever since. The first practical model was built in the 1950s at the cost of $250 per watt. These days solar cells have gotten more efficient and much cheaper. The typical setup for a solar system is a solar panel that collects light from the sun and transfers it through an inverter and then finally stores it into a battery to save for later use. You do not have to use a battery if you only want energy while the sun is shining.
Water Generator
Using water to generate mechanical work has been around for thousands of years. Water wheels were used to power mills, pumps, and saws in the past. In modern times, water wheels have been used to convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy. The typical setup is to place the wheel into a running river or stream to generate energy. You can also build a more permanent system where even small amounts of water dropping down a steep incline can generate quite a bit of power.
Wind Mill
Another power option that has been around for a long time. These devices have been used to grind grains, pump water, and do other work in the past. Modern windmills have gotten more efficient and much sleeker. Portable systems are also available as well. These can be mounted on tall poles or even on the tops of vehicles to capture the power of the winds for free energy. While these smaller versions do not generate a lot of energy, it is enough to power small lights and charge portable devices.
Portable Generator
Portable generators are also relatively new. The first consumer models were available around the 1920s. These devices use gasoline or diesel fuel to power an engine that generates electricity to power your devices. These have become progressively more sophisticated and much quieter as the technology progresses. They are very efficient and can be quite small for the power they generate.
So there you have it, if you are away from civilization, it does not mean that you have to go without power. These devices, old and new can supply you with the power you need to get things done, be safe and live a comfortable life. Check out Portable Generators and MQ Generator models online.
