Decades ago, the idea of creating sustainable energy was a foreign idea, seemingly impossible for some. Thanks to the proliferation of technological advancements, sustainable energy is now a reality. While in most places you still need the support of an energy company to make this work for you, these innovations can help you slash your monthly bills. Here are some DIY projects you may want to tackle:
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines can be commonly seen in big open spaces because they need to harness as much wind as possible to produce energy. Still, it is possible to install a small wind turbine on your property. If you have a considerable tract of land, say in Texas, this can be a good choice since it is much more stable in terms of producing power compared with a solar panel, especially in areas where wind can be a better source of energy. However, you may want to check local laws as these turbines can be pretty noisy.
Solar Oven
If you want to start small, then you can do this solar oven project over the weekend. Of course, this will not power your home, but it can help you reduce your energy use. Solar ovens trap sunlight to heat food, a much better option than a microwave oven, right? What you need for this project is a cardboard box, insulation sheet, and aluminum foil. A solar oven would come in handy when there is a power outage or an emergency in your area. You wouldn’t have to worry about cooking your food because all you would need is some amount of sunshine and you are good to go.
Solar Water Heating
If you live in an area with a steady source of sunlight, then you might want to invest in making a solar water heater. This energy source is highly similar to photovoltaic solar panels, but they don’t produce energy. Instead, they only heat a reserve of water that you can use to bring hot water to your water sources at home. They are much less complicated to install than PV solar panels.
Tubular Skylights
This DIY project is recommended for those who have in-depth knowledge and understanding of carpentry and roofing essentials since it would require you to create a hole into your roof and build a tunnel. This DIY project would not generate electricity for you. Still, it will help shower your home with a copious amount of natural lighting, so that you can reduce your use of artificial light, which would effectively reduce your utility bills. Creating a tubular skylight will have you build a clear dome mounted on your roof and connected to your ceiling with a metal tube. The light would then be distributed using a ceiling diffuser.
Note that the metal tube must have a highly reflective interior coating that can reflect as much as 90% of the sunlight that would pass through the diffuser to bring in soft natural lighting to your home.
Compared with traditional skylights, these tubular ones are easier and cheaper to install because they do not require building a light shaft from the roof. Additionally, they are easier to fit even in small and confined spaces, with some tubes snaking around many hurdles in your attic. However, it is not without flaws. It does not provide nighttime lighting. You would have to look for a tubular skylight manufacturer that can include a night kit.
Final Words
Sustainable energy projects are aplenty nowadays because there are various resources that you can use to start your projects. However, whenever a task is beyond your capabilities and knowledge, it is always best to have a professional do it for you instead.
